The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is drafting a legal document on taking in new members, said President Hu Jintao in a interview with Russian media on Tuesday.

 

Hu told the Russian media ahead of his Russia visit scheduled for March 26-28, that some countries have expressed hope to become members of the SCO.

 

"This needs to be decided by all SCO members on the basis of consensus through consultations," said Hu.

 

The SCO, a regional organization founded in 2001, constitutes China, Russia, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. Pakistan, Mongolia, Iran and India are observers of the group.

 

"At present, the SCO members are concentrating on pragmatic cooperation on security, economy and culture in a bid to bring more solid benefits to their peoples," said Hu.

 

Cooperation among SCO members, being friendly neighbors and important partners, is based on solid foundations and enjoys huge potentials and a bright future, Hu said.

 

When asked about cooperation between China, Russia and India, Hu said the trilateral cooperation does not target any third party, and would contribute to peace and development in the region and the whole world as well.

 

(Xinhua News Agency March 26, 2007)