On October 22nd, the video conference of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Political Parties Forum was held. Centering on "economy for the people", the conference was hosted by the United Russia Party. President Vladimir Putin of the Russian Federation gave congratulatory remarks to the conference. Dmitry Medvedev, Chairman of the United Russia Party and Deputy Chairman of the Security Council of the Russian Federation, and Vladimir Imamovich Norov, Secretary-General of the SCO, delivered speeches at the conference. Leaders from the SCO member states and political parties of relevant countries attended and addressed the conference. On behalf of the CPC, Song Tao, Minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, attended the opening ceremony and delivered a speech.

Song spoke positively of on the SCO's important role in enhancing political mutual trust and cohesion among member states, deepening all-round cooperation in various fields, bringing benefit to the people, safeguarding regional and world peace and stability, and promoting development and prosperity in the past 20 years since its establishment. He also introduced the remarkable achievements of the Chinese people in epidemic containment, economic and social development, and poverty alleviation under the leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, who has put people and life first.

Song said, the unprecedented epidemic has accelerated the changes unseen in a century. Mankind faces many common challenges and is in urgent need to strengthen solidarity and cooperation. The CPC is willing to work with the political parties and friendly personages from the SCO member states to promote the development of institutionalized exchanges of the SCO political parties, build the consensus of the SCO community with a shared future, expand an economic development pattern with integration of interests, build a security community featuring mutual help, and strengthen state governance and administration, so as to consolidate political foundation for the healthy and stable development of the SCO. Song also introduced the relevant content of the third volume of Xi Jinping: The Governance of China.

In their speeches, delegates of political parties from Russia, India, Kazakhstan, South Africa and other countries said, the COVID-19 has brought unprecedented challenges to the world. Giving full play to their roles, the political parties of the SCO countries should promote all countries to uphold multilateralism, strengthen connectivity, deepen policy coordination and practical cooperation in various fields based on the Belt and Road Initiative, the Eurasian Economic Union and other platforms, so as to strive for economic recovery and development, safeguard world peace and security, and make constant contributions to improving people's livelihood.

Boris Gryzlov, Chairman of the United Russia's Supreme Council, presided over the opening ceremony. Guo Yezhou, Vice-minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, attended the conference.

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