Centuries ago, the Silk Road was the primary link between China and its Central Asian neighbors, allowing them to trade merchandise and share cultures and knowledge across national borders, China Daily reported.

Yesterday, the heads of the six member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) carried on the legacy and formally sealed the Treaty on Long-term Good Neighborliness, Friendship and Cooperation.

By signing the treaty, the leaders of China, Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan demonstrated to the world their shared conviction.

That is, their common social and economic development; their cooperation in the spheres of science, culture, education, sports, healthcare and other areas; and further friendly exchanges between people, especially the young, which will give great impetus to the future growth and prosperity of the six SCO member states.

Their sealed pledge will also benefit the world as a whole as they show how neighboring countries, despite being of different sizes, histories, ethnic cultures and developmental stages, can collaborate with each other to maintain regional peace and stability - the prerequisite for improving economies and ensuring social harmony.

But this legal international document was not created out of impulse. All six SCO countries face the threats of terrorism, separatism and extremism. Without effectively fighting off these three forces of evil, their economies will derail and societies will be hit by chaos and disarray. And that will have a grave impact on the growth momentum of the world.

It is worth noting that the SCO member states maintain an open mind while keeping in mind the welfare of the people in the region. In the treaty, they declare they will cooperate with other international organizations on trade and economic issues, culture, environmental protection and the use of natural resources.

The various challenges the world now faces - from terrorism to environmental degradation and climate change - require all countries and all international organizations to work together to find a solution. The spirit of friendship and cooperation is the key.