BEIJING, June 9: The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) has agreed in principle to expand its membership, said a spokesman for the Chinese Foreign Office Liu Jianchao.

"We hope Pakistan's application to this effect will receive a favourable response from the member countries when it formally comes under consideration," he said when asked to comment on the SCO's position on new membership.

The official told APP in Beijing that the SCO had adopted principle of openness and was prepared to establish links and cooperation with other states and international organizations. He said Pakistan is an important country in the region and could be helpful in achieving the SCO objectives.