The Chinese newspaper “Dongfang Tszabao” (East Morning) published an extensive article about initiatives of Uzbekistan in strengthening the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.
As the author of the material – the director of department of international news of this edition Wei Xing noted that Uzbekistan plays an important role in enhancing the prestige of the SCO in the international arena. The country has made significant progress in improving the organization’s activities since its creation in 2001, the establishment and strengthening of fruitful cooperation between the parties, as well as other global and regional institutions.
As the journalist says: “Uzbekistan stands for the strict observance of the purposes, objectives and principles established in the Charter of the SCO which ensure security and stability, improving the social-economic well-being of the region, the growth performance and the international prestige of the organization. Particular significance is attached to strengthening the openness of the structure, eliminating bloc or confrontational orientation of it”.
It is reported that Uzbekistan is one of the founders of the SCO states and twice presided over it – in 2003-2004 and 2009-2010. A lot of important documents and decisions were adopted during these periods, including the Regulations of the observer status at the SCO and Order of SCO interaction with observers. As a result, Mongolia, India, Pakistan and Iran obtained the status of observer country.
“Signing of the Agreement on cooperation in counterdrug, distribution of psychotropic substances and precursors was a significant advancement, which created a legal framework for multilateral cooperation to counter the threat of drugs. In January 2004 the Executive Committee of the Regional Antiterrorist Structure (RATS) began to function in Tashkent. This permanent agency has become an effective tool and platform for combining efforts and practical cooperation between law enforcement bodies and special services of the SCO member states.
As the author writes, the period of the second presidency of Uzbekistan is an important page in the history of the SCO. In April 2010, the United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon visited to Tashkent in which a Joint Declaration on Cooperation has been signed between the Secretariats of the UN and SCO. This decision marked the beginning of official cooperation between the two organizations which created a solid foundation for joint efforts in addressing urgent issues.
The Chinese observer also noted about the development of economic partnership between the SCO member states. In 2010 it was discussed issues of strengthening national financial institutions, banks, removing obstacles to the development of trade relations, the full support and encouragement of direct contacts between enterprises, the development of cooperation in the field of transport, agriculture, high technologies.
As known, in 2016 will be 15 years since the establishment of the SCO, and Uzbekistan presides in this organization again. The main challenges standing before the organization include joint counteraction to defiances and threats, strengthening regional cooperation, improvement and expansion of the structure of international relations.
“In September 2015 a memorandum on granting a partner status on dialogue to the Kingdom of Cambodia has been signed. This year, similar documents have been signed with Armenia, Azerbaijan and Nepal”, – the Chinese newspaper stated.
Informing readers about the upcoming meeting in Tashkent between the Council of Heads of Member States and other activities under the chairmanship of Uzbekistan, Wei Xing is confident that adopted documents and decisions will enhance the potential of SCO in addressing identified problems.
