"Emphasising the importance of sport as an effective factor, which can facilitate the dialog between the nations, the Member States consider that the sport should be separate from politics," the Qingdao Declaration issued following the 18th SCO Summit said.

It went on, "Member States are convinced that the upcoming FIFA World Cup in Russia, the International Wushu Tournament (in Chongqing, May 18-19, 2018), regular SCO marathons, annual International Yoga Day will contribute to further strengthening of friendship, peace, mutual understanding and harmony."