SCO Meeting: Third SCO Summit Meeting Held in Moscow

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Friday, May 30, 2003

SCO Meeting: Third SCO Summit Meeting Held in Moscow

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Third SCO Summit Meeting Held in Moscow

The heads of state from the six members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) met on Thursday in the Russian capital to discuss ways to meet the challenges and strengthen cooperation in the current situation.

Chinese President Hu Jintao delivered a speech at the meeting. He said China advocates the establishment of a just and fair new international political and economic order with mutual security as its premise, balanced development as basis, commonly recognized legal principles as guarantee, dialogue and cooperation as methodology and common prosperity as goal.

Hu stressed China stands for democracy in international relations, saying every country should have an equal status in international affairs, and international issues should be resolved through consultations.

Principles of international law and norms of international relations should be respected, and the authority and leading role of the United Nations in handling key international issues should be protected, Hu said.

The leaders spoke highly of the achievements the SCO has made since its founding two years ago. The leaders said they believed the SCO will be an important player in maintaining regional and world security, stability and development, and will play an increasingly important role in international affairs.

Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev, who chaired the meeting,said the summit is fruitful and has defined the direction the SCO will move in.

At the Moscow summit, the third since the SCO was established in June 2001, the leaders reached consensus on the institutionalization of the SCO and some major international issues.

The leaders agreed to launch a SCO secretariat and a regional anti-terrorism center no later than Jan. 1, 2004. They decided that next year's SCO summit meeting will be held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

The six heads of states signed a declaration at the end of the meeting.

SCO leaders pledge enhanced cooperation

Leaders of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) on Thursday pledged enhanced cooperation in political, economic and trade, and cultural fields.

In a joint declaration released after a summit in Moscow, the leaders vowed to further develop a partnership among the six countries to face new threats and challenges.

The leaders said they were happy with the progress made in the institutionalization of the SCO and the deepening of cooperation among member countries since the St. Petersburg summit last June.

They pointed out that efficient and pragmatic cooperation is important in foreign policy, national defense, law enforcement, emergency rescue, foreign trade, transportation and culture.

The leaders held that the upcoming summit of heads of government is of great significance and the preparation for the summit would accelerate the negotiations on measures to facilitate trade and investment.

The leaders stressed the need for their foreign ministries to exchange views on major international issues, including exchanges within the framework of the United Nations and other international organizations.

They announced that the SCO, as an open organization, is willing to communicate with other countries and international organizations.

The SCO evolved from the mechanism of security-centered "Shanghai Five." It was developed into a regional organization in 2001 of six members -- China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

SCO stresses cooperation in regional security

Leaders of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) on Thursday vowed to work for a regional security system.

The SCO would actively take part in the creation of a regional security system, which takes into account, on equal basis, the interests and stance of all parties, said a joint declaration issued after the summit.

The SCO would carry out constructive cooperation in this regard with all countries and organizations, it said.

The SCO members recognize the increasing importance of maintaining and strengthening strategic stability, including non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, it said.

It has never been so imperative to make concerted efforts to explore and establish an international security system in the 21st century which can be accepted by all countries.

The SCO believes that more and more countries would recognize the need to unite and join hands against common threats.

An international order featuring democracy, development and security would ultimately become the choice of mankind, said the document.

The SCO, established in June 2001, is made up of China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

SCO leaders stress importance of UN role in world affairs

Leaders of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) emphasized on Thursday the important role of the United Nations in world affairs, especially key international issues.

In a joint declaration issued here at their annual summit, the SCO leaders said that to recognize the important role of the UN is of fundamental significance.

The UN, first of all, should ensure the effective solution of international political and security issues. At the same time, it should conduct reforms in line with the changing international situation.

To avert conflicts through preventative measures should continue to be one of the major directions for the work of the UN,said the declaration.

It added that the UN should play an important role in the reconstruction of postwar Iraq. The protection of the national interests and sovereignty of Iraq and assistance from the international community are a precondition of the restoration of peace and the establishment of a prosperous and democratic societyin Iraq.

The SCO, formed in Shanghai in June 2001, comprises China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

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