China will work with SCO to curb terror: FM

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2006-03-21 09:43

Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing said China will work closely with the member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) to crack down on the rising terror threat in Central Asia.

"Terrorist activities were dealt heavily in the region after the September 11 incident, but they are now on the rise and threaten security and stability in the region," said Li in a written interview with Russian media, which is posted on the ministry's official website on Monday.

The SCO is the first international organization to hold the flag of fighting terrorism, said Li. "It is the SCO's major task to enhance security cooperation and create a secure environment for social and economic development," he added.

The SCO has done a lot to curb terrorism, including establishing institutions, enacting legal documents and holding joint exercises, Li said.

The SCO, established in 2001, groups Russia, China and four Central Asian states -- Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. The SCO summit is scheduled for June in Shanghai.