The 2023 China-SCO judges forum kicks off in Qingdao on Sept 19. [Photo/Dazhong Daily]

The opening ceremony of the 2023 China-Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) judges forum was held in the eastern coastal city of Qingdao, Shandong province on Sept 19.

The forum was attended by judicial representatives and diplomats from SCO countries to increase judicial cooperation and information exchanges to help safeguard regional security and jointly promote the high-quality development of the Belt and Road Initiative.

Zhang Jun, president of the Supreme People's Court, China's top court, pointed out that in the 22 years since its establishment, the SCO has adhered to promoting "Shanghai Spirit".

Member countries have helped each other and worked together, making important contributions to deepening neighborly friendship, safeguarding the common interests of member states, promoting regional and worldwide peace and stability, and driving sustainable development.

Judicial cooperation is an important aspect of the SCO's cooperation, and conducting sustainable, open, and vibrant judicial exchanges and cooperation is in line with the common interests of member countries.

With regard to "deepening judicial cooperation among domestic courts within the SCO framework", Zhang put forward three suggestions, including consolidating consensus on judicial cooperation, deepening the achievements of exchanges and mutual learning, and enhancing the effectiveness of judicial cooperation.

Heads of SCO countries' courts and representatives of the SCO Secretariat also made speeches during the opening ceremony.