The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) can help promote peace and serve as an important tool for safeguarding the development of countries in the region, said Defense Minister Khawaja Asif when attending the SCO Defense Ministers’ Meeting in Qingdao, East China’s Shandong Province.

Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun met with Asif on the same day. Asif praised China’s efforts in preventing the escalation of regional tensions, noting that recent months have seen rising instability and conflict across the region.

He said Pakistan highly values its ironclad friendship with China and is willing to work closely with Beijing to implement three major global initiatives.