BEIJING, March 21 (Xinhua) -- China and Russia signed a joint statement here Tuesday, vowing to step up coordination of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).

　　"China and Russia will take the development of the SCO as a keylink of diplomacy and continue to closely coordinate stances within the framework of the SCO," the statement says.

　　The SCO has become a unique force in international relations since it was established five years ago. It has played a special role in effectively tackling transnational security threats and challenges, the statement says.

　　"The two countries will take every measure to promote pragmaticcooperation in such fields as security and economy within the framework of the SCO," the statement says.

　　Established in 2001 the SCO member states include Russia, Chinaand four Central Asian states -- Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. The SCO summit is scheduled for June inShanghai.

　　At the summit member states will sum up their working experience and inject new vitality into the regional organization,says the statement.

　　Chinese President Hu Jintao and visiting Russian President Vladimir Putin signed the statement. Putin is now on a two-day state visit to China, which will conclude on Wednesday. Enditem