In preparation for the 18th Meeting of the Council of Heads of Member States of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, a traditional music concert was held on Wednesday as part of the SCO Member States Arts Festival.

The concert was organized by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and presented by the China Arts and Entertainment Group in front of a live audience of around 1,000 people, which included diplomats from member states, observer states, dialogue partners as well as representatives from the SCO.

Luo Shugang, the minister for Culture and Tourism, said at the concert that the ministry aims to "enhance the communication and cooperation in the cultural and tourism fields, as well as promote mutual understanding and friendship with the member states, observer states, and dialogue partners of the organization."