On May 14, 2011, Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi attended the meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in Almaty, Kazakhstan.

Foreign Minister Yang spoke highly of the important contributions made by the SCO to promoting regional harmony and development and advancing the democratization of international relations over the past decade since its establishment. He said in the second decade of the 21st century, peace and development has become a powerful trend of the times, but unstable, uncertain and insecure factors are also increasing. The SCO is facing more complex and diverse challenges. Member states should make consistent efforts to strengthen solidarity and mutual trust, deepen pragmatic cooperation, and strengthen strategic coordination. Member states should vigorously practice and disseminate the Shanghai Spirit featuring mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, consultation, respect for diversified civilizations and seeking for common development, propel international order toward a more just and reasonable direction, and make new and greater contributions to promoting world peace and security.

Yang suggested setting goals for the development of the SCO in the next decade, including establishing a long-term mechanism for maintaining regional stability, strengthening economic functions, deepening cultural and people-to-people exchanges, and building an open, cooperative, pragmatic partnership network not targeted at third parties. He also suggested identifying 2011 and 2012 as the Years of Neighborly Friendship for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. Yang said China is an active participant and builder in the SCO. China will continue to promote the development of the organization and its member states through its own development and make greater efforts for lasting peace and common prosperity of the region. China is ready to work closely with all parties to make good preparations for the SCO Astana Summit.

The foreign ministers reviewed and summarized the achievements of the SCO since its establishment 10 years ago. They agreed that with the rise of international influence and prestige, the SCO has played a positive role in promoting regional peace and stability and advancing economic and social development of member states. They agreed in the current international situation, it is necessary for the SCO to further strengthen the building of internal mechanisms, external relations, and practical cooperation in security, economic, cultural and other fields. They agreed to strengthen coordination and cooperation to ensure the success of Astana Summit commemorating the 10th anniversary of the SCO so as to promote the further development of the SCO.

After the meeting, Yang Jiechi and other foreign ministers signed the draft agenda for the meeting of the Council of Heads of State commemorating the 10th anniversary of the SCO and other documents.

On May 13, Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev met with Yang Jiechi and other foreign ministers attending the meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers.