SCO Applauds Kazakhstan’s Counter-Terrorism Initiative

Tashkent, The Gulf Observer: The 41st meeting of the Council of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) convened under the presidency of China, witnessed a resolute stance against terrorism and a reaffirmation of collective efforts to combat this global menace.

Representatives from relevant bodies of India, Iran, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and the SCO RATS Executive Committee converged in Tashkent, Uzbekistan for the pivotal gathering.

Amidst solemn acknowledgments of recent terror incidents, including the attacks in Iran’s Kerman, Russia’s Crocus City Hall building, and Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, attendees observed a moment of silence to honor the victims.

Deputy Secretary-General of the SCO, Nurlan Yermekbayev, underscored the SCO’s unequivocal condemnation of terrorism in all its forms, reiterating the organization’s unwavering commitment to combat terrorism, separatism, and extremism in close collaboration with the international community.

The forum deliberated on strategies to detect and dismantle channels of terrorism financing, alongside efforts to prevent the exploitation of the internet for terrorist and extremist agendas.

Several key documents aimed at countering the ‘three evils’ were endorsed during the meeting, including Kazakhstan’s initiative proposing joint measures to combat terrorism, separatism, and extremism threatening peace, security, and stability in the SCO region.

Additionally, plans for forthcoming activities were discussed, notably the joint border operation ‘Solidarity 2024’ involving border services of SCO member states.

Looking ahead, the 42nd meeting of the Council of the SCO Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) is slated to convene in China, signifying the organization’s ongoing commitment to enhancing regional security and combating terrorism.