Belarus is close to the basic principles of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization: sovereignty and non-interference in the affairs of independent states. This was stated by Chairperson of the Council of the Republic Natalya Kochanova at talks with representatives of the Chinese SCO Committee on Good-Neighbourliness, Friendship and Cooperation. The speaker stressed that Belarus wants to continue close cooperation with the organization. Relations between the two countries are developing in all directions. The parties discussed development issues and agreed to strengthen cooperation with China in the fields of education, healthcare and people's diplomacy.