BEIJING (Sputnik) — The SCO is a political, economic and military alliance, founded in 2001, includes Russia, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Belarus, Mongolia, Iran, Afghanistan, India and Pakistan hold observer status in the organization. The dialogue partner status belongs to six states, including Turkey.
"China appreciates the positive contribution made by Turkey to the development of the SCO in the status of dialogue partner, China attaches importance and supports the further strengthening of the SCO cooperation with Turkey," the diplomat said at a briefing devoted to President's Xi Jinping's participation in the upcoming SCO summit in the Uzbekistan capital of Tashkent on June 23-24.
Li noted that China hoped that cooperation within the SCO will further develop, which would strengthen stability and security of member states, observer and dialogue status countries, countries, including Turkey.