Tajikistan seeks stronger SCO cooperation against transnational crime

Photo: Press Service of the President of Tajikistan

BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 20. Tajik President Emomali Rahmon on October 20 called for stronger cooperation among Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member states in combating terrorism, extremism, drug trafficking, and transnational organized crime.

Emomali Rahmon made the remarks at a meeting with heads of delegations from SCO member states who arrived in the Tajik capital for the meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of Government, the president’s press service said.

He stressed the need to step up joint efforts against radicalism, cyber threats, and other transnational challenges that require coordinated action by SCO countries.

Furthermore, Emomali Rahmon also highlighted the importance of establishing an SCO Anti-Drug Center in Dushanbe, which is intended to strengthen cooperation among member states in countering drug trafficking.

Meanwhile, He noted the importance of implementing the SCO Economic Development Strategy to 2030, adopted on Tajikistan’s initiative.

Emomali Rahmon said Tajikistan is interested in further strengthening the SCO’s role in ensuring peace and stability and in developing international cooperation based on trust and joint action.

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization was founded in 2001 and grew out of the Shanghai Five, a format created in 1996 by China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan. Uzbekistan was among the founding members, and the group has since expanded to include India, Pakistan, Iran, and Belarus.

Security cooperation is one of its core areas, alongside trade, transport, energy, and humanitarian ties. Its Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure, based in Tashkent, coordinates member states’ work on counterterrorism and related threats.