Premier Li Keqiang toasts leaders attending the prime ministers' meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation in Zhengzhou, capital of Henan province, at a welcoming dinner on Monday. The two-day gathering is expected to focus on combating terrorism. [Photo by Wu Zhiyi/China Daily]

"The gathering of leaders from SCO members, observers and international organizations shows the growing influence of the organization, and the deep friendship and favorable atmosphere between members and observers," Li said.

"Amid the fragile global economic recovery and downward pressure on many economies, China expects this meeting will help countries match their development strategies, deepen international industrial capacity cooperation and exchange views on regional and international issues of mutual concern," Li said.

It is apt that the meeting is held in Henan, Li said, as the province has played a key role in China's modernization as well as reform and opening up.

The province has conducted close economic and trade cooperation and people-to-people exchanges with SCO countries, he added.