Shanghai Summit Announces Strategic Partnership AgreementsTianjin, 1 Sep (ONA) — The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit, held in the northern Chinese city of Tianjin, is in its second day. A final communiqué is expected following a first day of bilateral meetings and the announcement of strategic partnership agreements among several participating nations.The summit is set to host the 25th meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of State, as well as the “SCO Plus” meeting.Described by Xinhua news agency as the largest annual summit ever held by the group, the Tianjin summit is expected to see member states adopt key documents, including the organization’s development strategy for the next decade.On the sidelines of the summit, Chinese President Xi Jinping held a series of bilateral meetings with the presidents of Russia, Turkiye, Belarus, Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, and the Maldives, as well as the acting president of Myanmar. He also met with the prime ministers of India, Egypt, Armenia, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Nepal, and the Secretary-General of the United Nations.Addressing nearly 20 world leaders, Xi stated that the SCO security forum now has “a greater responsibility” to maintain regional peace and stability while promoting development and prosperity among member states. He noted that the current SCO summit “has the important task of building consensus among all parties and stimulating determination in areas of cooperation.”Founded in June 2001 with six original members, the organization has expanded to a group of 26 countries, including 10 members, two observers, and 14 dialogue partners spanning Asia, Europe, and Africa.— Ends/AH