BEIJING, Sept. 14 (Xinhuanet) -- The 13th summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization has concluded in the Kyrgyzstan capital Bishkek. Heads of state said they had reached an important consensus after extensive discussions.

Presidents from China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan discussed the development of long-term, good-neighborly and friendly relations among members. They talked about the organization’s working objectives for the next stage, and major international and regional issues.

Speaking to SCO leaders and presidents and officials from Afghanistan, India, Iran, Mongolia and Pakistan, President Xi Jinping said the SCO is faced with opportunities and challenges. He said the international and regional situation remains complex and volatile.

Xi Jinping said terrorism, separatism, and extremism, drug-trafficking and transnational organized crime pose security challenges to the region. The international financial crisis cause difficulties for the economic development of member states. He urged members to boost cooperation to make the SCO a reliable mechanism for common development.

President Xi made a four-point proposal. First, he urged SCO members to carry forward the Shanghai Spirit, which refers to "mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, consultation, respect for diverse civilizations and seeking common development."

To maintain regional peace and stability, Xi stressed a need to implement the Shanghai Convention against Terrorism, Separatism and Extremism which was signed in 2001. He also called on members to intensify pragmatic cooperation and carry forward the spirit of the Silk Road.

Finally, he said members should strengthen cultural exchange and people-to-people contact to consolidate the organization’s foundation for development.

On the Syria crisis, Xi said China supports Russia’s proposal that Syria surrender its chemical weapons to international control for eventual destruction. He said China supports efforts to seek a ceasefire and an end to violence, urging both sides in the Syrian conflict to find a political solution.

Xi’s suggestions on Syria were echoed by other heads of state. They stressed that members should step up cooperation and stay committed to maintaining regional peace and stability and common prosperity.

At the end of the meeting, the heads of state signed the "Bishkek Declaration", and released a report on the outcome of the meeting.

They also announced that the 2014 SCO Summit will be held in the Tajik capital, Dushanbe.

(Source: CNTV.cn)