SCO summit begins; discusses regional stability and security

The annual 10th summit of the Shanghai
Cooperation Organization (SCO) began here Friday with a focus on
regional stability and security and to pursue development in the
region.
The summit is being attended by heads of state from China,
Russia, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, the delegate from
Kyrgyzstan, and leaders and delegates from SCO observer nations --
Mongolia, India, Pakistan and Iran.
President Asif Ali Zardari is representing Pakistan at the
summit.
Uzbek President Islam Karimov in his opening speech stressed
the need for strengthening political and economic cooperation and
stepping up anti-terrorism efforts to secure peace and stability
among the SCO countries.
Two agreements between the SCO states are to be signed today -
One between the SCO governments to enhance cooperation in the field
of agriculture, and the second for cooperation in combating crime.
The leaders will also approve a joint statement at the end of
the summit. The draft documents submitted for approval at the summit
include the regulations on procedure for admitting new members, and
the SCO procedure rules, aimed at further enhancing efficiency and
improving the internal mechanisms of the organization.
The SCO states will also approve the SCO Secretary General's
Report on its performance, while another resolution will deal with
performance of counter terrorism Regional Centre and review its
performance to consolidate collective anti-terrorism cooperation
within SCO states.
The theme of the summit is "to strengthen unity and
cooperation, maintain stability and pursue common development in the
region."
The leaders and participants exchanged views on the world and
regional situation, and will coordinate strategies for combating
terrorism, separatism and extremism.
They will also focus on need to expand inter-member economic
cooperation and set up an SCO admission mechanism.