BISHKEK - An international arts gallery opened here Thursday on the eve of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit, with the presence of senior officials from China and Kyrgyzstan.

While addressing the opening ceremony of the Tour of Peace arts gallery, Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi described cultural events like the ongoing gallery as a bridge over different cooperating nations with the display of national essences.

"The SCO member states are neighbors with friendship passed on for generations boasting of a jointly created civilization of excellence," Yang said.

"I believe that artists from different countries will jointly demonstrate the brighter future of the organization and its members," he added.

Kamila Talieva, deputy prime minister of Kyrgyzstan, told participants of the opening ceremony that with an ever-increasing influence, the SCO has been turning into a powerful engine for regional stability and cultural exchanges.

"Culture is an important area for cooperation and cultural cooperation will be conducive to promoting friendship and cooperation among neighboring countries," the deputy prime minister said.

Yang and Talieva also presented participating Chinese and Kyrgyz artists with special awards for their achievement and contribution.

Some 80 paintings hailing from SCO member countries, SCO observer states and some European and American countries are on display with a theme of peace promotion.