Beijing sees SCO as regional security stabilizer
DUSHANBE. April 17 (Interfax) - Security cooperation between Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member countries has a favorable effect on the regional situation, SCO Regional Anti-Terrorism Structure Executive Committee Director Zhang Xinfeng said on Thursday.
Since the moment the organization was established, SCO member countries have been maintaining practical cooperation in security issues and taking efficient steps to deter threats and challenges to security, which helps preserve stability in the region as a whole and in member countries, Zhang said at the 9th meeting of Security Council Secretaries of SCO member countries in Dushanbe, Tajikistan.
Zhang, who was representing China at the meeting, said one might call the SCO a stabilizer and a pillar of regional security.
He reaffirmed the Chinese readiness for fostering the interaction with all sides for the sake of regional security and stability and the provision of security and development interests of all members of the organization.
The SCO was established in June 2001. Its full members are Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, China, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan whose representatives are attending the Dushanbe meeting. Afghanistan, India, Iran, Mongolia and Pakistan are SCO observer states. Belarus, Turkey and Sri Lanka enjoy the status of dialogue partners.