**SCO and ASEAN Leaders Explore Enhanced Cooperation in Beijing Meeting**
The Secretary General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), Nurlan Yermekbayev, and the Secretary General of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Kao Kim Hourn, met at the SCO Secretariat in Beijing for discussions aimed at strengthening cooperation between their organizations. The productive talks focused on deepening ties in areas outlined under their longstanding Memorandum of Understanding.
During the meeting, both leaders emphasized the broad alignment of the SCO and ASEAN agendas, noting shared geographical and cultural proximity, as well as a mutual dedication to principles related to security, sustainable economic growth, and humanitarian collaboration. These commonalities provide a solid foundation for expanding practical cooperation between the two regional bodies.
The Secretaries General agreed to maintain regular communication not only at their level but also among different divisions within the executive structures of SCO and ASEAN. They recognized that, despite existing collaboration, significant potential remains untapped, and both organizations stand to benefit from closer engagement.
The parties exchanged proposals to further develop their partnership, with a particular interest in learning from each other’s experiences and best practices. The meeting also saw participation from the Chinese Ambassador to ASEAN, Ms. Hou Yanqi, alongside officials from both organizations’ secretariats.
Officials described the meeting as being held in a friendly and constructive atmosphere, reflecting the positive spirit and shared ambition to advance regional cooperation.
