Russian President Vladimir Putin said Friday in Shanghai that the newly-established Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) will help promote regional cooperation and security.

Putin made the remarks in a joint press conference with presidents of the other five members of the SCO -- China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

Putin said the SCO will be an open organization and will have dialogues with other organizations of the international community. It will also be an example of mutually-beneficial cooperation and friendship for the whole world.

Members of the SCO will also strengthen their cooperation in economic, science and technology and cultural areas, he said.

(Xinhua 06/15/2001)