Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart
Tokayev held a meeting with the Secretaries of the Security Council of the Shanghai
Cooperation Organization (SCO) member states. The Head of State emphasized that
such events are now particularly relevant, considering the growing role of
collective security in the extensive zone of the SCO responsibility. Last year,
the number of regional and local conflicts worldwide surged by 30 percent and
reached more than 180 incidents, marking a record high over the last 30 years. As
noted by experts, the unfolding global cycle of conflicts and violent actions
is intensifying the threat of international terrorism. President Tokayev
stressed the need to provide serious resistance to this challenge and ensure
the safety of Kazakh citizens.
“The Shanghai Cooperation
Organization was originally established to ensure stability and security in the
region and to jointly counter the ‘three forces of evil.’ These threats not
only remain relevant but also evolve, gaining a new urgency. In turn, we need
more systematic and decisive responses. We cannot allow manifestations of
terrorism, extremism, and separatism to undermine internal stability in our
countries. Combating the ‘three forces of evil’, as well as transnational
crime, illegal drug trafficking, and cybersecurity challenges, is one of the
priorities of Kazakhstan’s chairmanship in the SCO,” said the Kazakh President.
According to the Head of State,
the SCO should set an example of concerted and concrete actions to ensure
stability and security in the region. To this end, the member states need to
adopt the Cooperation Program on Countering Terrorism, Separatism and Extremism
for the years 2025-2027, as well as the SCO Anti-Drug Strategy for 2024-2029 and
the Action Program for its implementation.
