Xi hosts dinner for SCO guests

Chinese President Xi Jinping hosted a dinner on Saturday evening to welcome world leaders and officials who gathered in the coastal city of Qingdao for the 18th Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit.

"I wish to extend, on behalf of the Chinese government and people and in my own name, a very warm welcome to all of you, particularly the state leaders and heads of international organizations who have come to attend the meeting of the Council of Heads of Member States of the SCO," Xinhua quoted Xi as saying.

Talking about the Shanghai spirit, he said, it focuses on seeking common ground while putting aside differences with a common goal for mutual benefit.

The SCO has delivered fruitful outcomes in areas such as security, economic and cultural cooperation.

SCO's eight member states, four observer states and six dialogue partners, have become an integral force for upholding regional security, promoting common development and improving global governance, Xi added.

After the dinner, Xi and the guests watched an artistic performance of lights and fireworks. The theme of which was "A Warm Welcome to Friends from Afar.