ISLAMABAD: The Council of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation’s Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (SCO RATS) has reaffirmed its support for Iran’s sovereignty, security and territorial integrity.
The council also backed efforts to reduce tensions, promote peace and ensure stability in the region.
According to a Foreign Office statement issued on Monday, the 46th meeting of the SCO RATS Council was held under Pakistan’s chairmanship.
Delegations from Pakistan, Belarus, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan attended the meeting.
Representatives of the SCO RATS Executive Committee also participated.
Council Condemns Recent Attacks on Iran
The meeting reviewed current issues on the international agenda related to regional security.
The council condemned the latest military attacks against Iran. It also reaffirmed the position previously expressed by the SCO on the issue.
The council conveyed condolences to the Iranian government and people over the reported death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
It also expressed sympathy to the families of those killed in the attacks.
The council reaffirmed its support for Iran’s sovereignty, security and territorial integrity. It also supported efforts aimed at reducing tensions and restoring peace and stability in the region.
SCO Reviews Counter-Terrorism Cooperation
The council reviewed progress on implementing earlier SCO RATS decisions.
These decisions focus on coordination among relevant authorities of SCO member states. They cover cooperation against terrorism, separatism and extremism.
The council also approved work plans for the Executive Committee and expert groups. The plans cover key issues related to countering what the statement described as the “forces of evil.”
Members also adopted decisions to establish and improve information-sharing structures.
Joint Counter-Terrorism Activities Planned for 2027
The participants agreed to hold several joint activities in 2027.
These will include a joint information operation in the field of counter-terrorism.
The SCO will also hold a practical seminar on preventing the use of the internet for terrorist, separatist and extremist purposes.
In addition, relevant authorities from SCO member states will conduct a joint counter-terrorism exercise.
The exercise will focus on identifying and preventing the use of the internet for terrorism, separatism and extremism.
International Conference to Be Held in Kazakhstan
The 13th International Scientific and Practical Conference on cooperation against terrorism, separatism and extremism will take place in Kazakhstan.
The conference will involve SCO member states and one SCO observer state.
The council also considered administrative and staffing matters related to the activities of the SCO RATS Executive Committee.
Officials were presented with awards in recognition of their contributions to the development of the committee’s work.
The awards also recognized efforts to strengthen cooperation between relevant institutions of SCO member states and officials of the SCO RATS Executive Committee.
