Date:21/08/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/08/21/stories/2008082155141100.htm

Opinion - News Analysis

Shanghai summit to focus on security, economy

The Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit would focus on security, economics and cultural cooperation.

Heads of state attending the summit would lay out the major tasks for the next phase on promoting SCO cooperation on security, economics, culture and foreign affairs, according to a senior official of the ministry in a written statement when briefing President Hu Jintao’s upcoming foreign tour of three nations and the summit.

Leaders attending the summit would exchange views on current major international and regional issues and discuss how to resolutely strike the three forces of terrorism, extremism and separatism through intensive coordination. They would also promote the integrity of SCO member nations through free trade and facilitated investment.

— Xinhua