SCO defence ministers back Afghan peace process

The Council of Defence Ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation (SCO) on Thursday stressed the need for actively supporting the peace and reconciliation process in Afghanistan, strengthening counter-terrorism cooperation, and making efforts to maintain regional security and stability.

During the meeting, attended by Defence Minister Pervez Khattak, the member states decided to continue to strengthen communication, build consensus and expand cooperation, so as to create favourable conditions for the sustainable development of regional bloc.

At the meeting, held in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, the defence ministers of the member countries spoke highly of the achievements of the SCO in maintaining regional peace and stability and promoting defence and security cooperation over the past 20 years.

Addressing the conference, China’s State Councillor and Defence Minister Wei Fenghe emphasised that the situation in Afghanistan had undergone major changes and regional security risks were on the rise.

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He urged the SCO member countries to strengthen coordination and cooperation, jointly prevent and combat the extremism, separatism and terrorism, so as to build a strong regional security barrier.

Later, Defence Minister Wei Fenghe held bilateral meeting with Khattak on the sidelines of the conference and exchanged views on bilateral and military-to-military relations. The two sides also discussed international and regional situation as well as counter-terrorism cooperation.