Chinese President calls for regional anti-terrorism mechanism
( 2002-01-08 11:21 ) (8 )

Chinese President Jiang Zemin said on Monday that the most urgent thing at present is to set up a regional anti-terrorism mechanism among the six members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) as soon as possible.

Jiang made the remarks while meeting with foreign ministers from Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan who were in Beijing to attend the SCO foreign ministers' one-day irregular meeting held on Monday.

Present at the meeting were Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov, Kazakh Foreign Minister Erlan Idrisov, Kyrgyz Foreign Minister Muratbek Yemanaliyev, Tajik Foreign Minister Talbak Nazarov, and Uzbek Foreign Minister Abdulaziz Kamilov, in addition to Chinese Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan.

Jiang spoke positively about the meeting, saying that the joint statement signed by the six foreign ministers revealed their common position and views and would help strengthen their cooperation and the SCO's role, as well as safeguard regional peace, security and stability.

Jiang congratulated the foreign ministers on the success of the meeting.

Speaking of the international situation, Jiang pointed out that the "September 11" terrorist attacks showed that unstable elements are increasing although the international situation is generally relaxing, and all countries realize that they should strengthen cooperation to safeguard their common security.

He stressed that the six countries should make great efforts to play a bigger role in this regard and cooperate in safeguarding common interests.

Jiang further pointed out that the key to the role of the SCO, set up in June last year, is its self-construction, the unity and cooperation among its members, the acceleration of working out its constitution and the improvement of its cooperation and operation mechanisms.

Jiang also reiterated the Chinese government's principled stance on anti-terrorism and the Afghanistan issue.

The five ministers spoke highly of the friendly relations between their respective countries and China and said that the current situation has shown that the establishment of the SCO is far-sighted and it is playing an important role in fighting against terrorism and safeguarding regional peace and stability.

They noted that the meeting was a success and said they believe that the SCO, with joint efforts from all parties, has sound prospects for development.