Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart
Tokayev held a meeting with the Security Council Secretaries of the SCO member states.
The Head of State emphasized the particular relevance of such events at
present. Last year witnessed a 30 percent increase in regional and local
conflicts globally, surpassing 180 incidents - the highest in the past 30
years. This intensifies the threat of international terrorism. President
Tokayev stressed the importance of mounting a robust response to this challenge
while ensuring the safety of citizens.
“We must not allow terrorism,
extremism, and separatism to be utilized to undermine internal stability in our
countries. Combating the ‘three forces of evil’, along with transnational
organized crime, illegal drug trafficking, and cybersecurity challenges, is one
of the priorities of Kazakhstan’s chairmanship in the SCO,” Tokayev said.
The Head of State believes that
the Shanghai Cooperation Organization 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 a Cooperation Program on Countering Terrorism,
Separatism and Extremism for the years 2025-2027, along with the SCO Anti-Drug
Strategy for 2024-2029 and an Action Program for its implementation.
Additionally, heightened attention should be directed toward Afghanistan, where
it is crucial to prevent a humanitarian crisis and instead create conditions
for long-term stabilization, as emphasized by President Tokayev.
“We advocate for open political
and diplomatic dialogue and maintaining constructive relations with our global
and regional partners. We adhere to the principle of the indivisibility of Eurasian
security, which implies mutual understanding and the creation of
confidence-building measures. This approach should serve as the foundation for
the strategic task of forming a security perimeter around the SCO borders.
Kazakhstan has prioritized contributing to international peace and the secure
coexistence of states during its chairmanship in the Organization. Therefore,
we propose jointly developing and adopting the SCO initiative On World Unity
for a Just Peace and Harmony,” Tokayev added.
The world is facing an escalation
of food, water, and energy challenges. Therefore, it is more crucial than ever
to realize the SCO’s potential as an effective tool for regional and
international security, the Head of State emphasized. Meetings of the Security
Council Secretaries play a significant role in coordinating efforts to
eliminate external threats and ensure the national security of the SCO member
states. Kazakhstan is actively preparing for the upcoming SCO summit in Astana,
where the parties will have the opportunity to align strategies.
