BEIJING, May 13 (INP): Pakistan and other member States of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) will contribute to a stronger global response to overcome COVID-19 epidemic.

This was stated here by the spokesperson of the Chinese Foreign Office Zhao Lijian while commenting on the role of SCO on COVID-19 at a regular news briefing.

Zhao Lijian, said, in the face of the epidemic challenge, the SCO member states, upholding the Shanghai Spirit, conducted anti-virus cooperation, contributing to the building of a community with a shared future for mankind through concrete actions.

During the crucial period in China's fight against the virus, leaders of other SCO member states expressed sympathies and support to Chinese leaders and provided aid in the form of medical supplies.

China also relates to the impact of the pandemic on other member states and has offered timely assistance to the best of its capability, including through multiple video conferences for experts to share experience in prevention and control, teams of medical experts and joint working groups who held exchange and offered guidance on site, and urgently-needed medical supplies.

These have given a strong boost to other member states' fight against the pandemic.

The SCO is a regional organization of significant influence. We believe all sides will build on the momentum of this conference to enhance solidarity and collaboration, deepen cooperation in various areas, and ensure that the SCO will contribute to a stronger global response to COVID-19 and to regional security and development.

Replying to a question about the reports, that Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and former Chief Executive Officer Abdullah Abdullah have agreed to establish a unity government, Zhao Lijian said, as we say in China, "Neighbors wish each other prosperity and security.

“ China and Afghanistan are neighbors enjoying long-established friendship and strategic partners of cooperation. We truly want to see Afghanistan realize peace and stability at an early date.

The Chinese side has noted the latest development and commends the recent positive and constructive dialogues between the Ghani and Abdullah teams. We hope that the relevant parties in Afghanistan will put their nation and people first and establish an inclusive unity government at an early date, thus contributing to the country's COVID-19 response and promoting the peace and reconciliation process, the spokesperson added.

INP/JAVED