The member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) have issued a joint statement condemning terrorism and calling for increased international cooperation to combat the threat.
The SCO is a regional intergovernmental organization consisting of eight member states, including China, Russia, India, and Pakistan. The organization was established in 2001 with the goal of promoting economic, military, and cultural cooperation among its members.
In their joint statement, the SCO member states reaffirmed their commitment to “condemning and controlling terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.” The statement also called for increased cooperation among the member states, as well as with other international organizations, to combat terrorism and violent extremism.
The SCO members stressed the importance of respecting national sovereignty and territorial integrity in the fight against terrorism, and emphasized the need for a comprehensive and coordinated approach to addressing the threat.
The statement also highlighted the role of the United Nations in combating terrorism and called for the full implementation of relevant UN Security Council resolutions on the issue.
The SCO’s focus on terrorism reflects the growing concern among its member states about the threat posed by extremist groups, particularly in Central Asia and the surrounding regions. The organization has been actively involved in counterterrorism efforts, including joint military exercises and intelligence-sharing initiatives.
Overall, the SCO member states’ joint statement underscores the need for increased international cooperation and coordination to combat the global threat of terrorism. It also highlights the important role that regional organizations like the SCO can play in addressing this complex and multifaceted challenge.
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization was founded in 2001 by China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. The organization’s primary objective was to promote regional cooperation and stability, particularly in Central Asia, where the member states share borders and face common security challenges.
Over the years, the SCO has expanded its activities to include economic, cultural, and humanitarian cooperation, in addition to its original focus on security and counterterrorism. The organization has also added new member states, including India and Pakistan in 2017.
The SCO’s activities are guided by the “Shanghai Spirit,” which emphasizes mutual trust, mutual benefit, and equality among the member states. The organization’s activities are organized around several key areas, including:
Security cooperation: The SCO member states collaborate on a range of security issues, including counterterrorism, border security, and intelligence-sharing.
Economic cooperation: The SCO aims to promote trade and investment among its member states, as well as greater economic integration in the region. The organization has established a number of economic cooperation mechanisms, including the SCO Business Council and the SCO Interbank Consortium.
Cultural and humanitarian cooperation: The SCO aims to promote cultural exchange and understanding among its member states, as well as to address common humanitarian challenges, such as disaster relief and public health.
In recent years, the SCO has also played an increasingly prominent role in global affairs, as the organization’s member states have sought to assert their influence on the international stage. The SCO has participated in a number of multilateral initiatives, including the Belt and Road Initiative and the Paris Agreement on climate change.
Overall, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization reflects the growing importance of regional organizations in promoting cooperation and stability in an increasingly complex and interconnected world. The organization’s objectives and activities reflect the unique challenges and opportunities facing its member states in Central Asia and beyond.
