UFA, Russia, July 10 -- Chinese President Xi Jinpingsaid here Friday that Beijing welcomes Pakistan's upcoming entry into the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).

Xi made the remarks when meeting with Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif prior to the 15th SCO summit, which is set to start procedures for granting India and Pakistan full membership.

"China is willing to maintain close cooperation with Pakistan within the SCO framework," said the Chinese president.

Pakistan and India are now among the five observers of the SCO, which currently groups China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.