Russia supports expansion of cooperation in SCO

Russia speaks for expanding the cooperation in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), Russian President Vladimir Putin said.

He made the remarks upon taking over the SCO presidency by Russia, RIA Novosti reported.

"Russia supports the expansion of the economic cooperation in SCO, developing joint measures to ensure the financial, food, energy and transport security. We propose to create an optimal mechanism to ensure financial support for project activities, to intensify the activities of the SCO Business Council and Inter-bank Association and to expand the inter-regional ties," Putin said.

Russian president underscored that the main tasks of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization is to ensure regional security, fighting against terrorism, extremism and drug trafficking.

Shanghai Cooperation Organization, founded in 2001, includes six member states: Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Its observer states are Afghanistan, India, Iran, Mongolia and Pakistan, while Belarus Turkey and Sri Lanka are classed as dialogue partners.

The main goals of SCO include strengthening of trust and good neighborhood between the member states, promoting their effective cooperation in political, trade, economic, scientific, technical and cultural fields, as well as in the sphere of education, energy, transport, tourism, environmental protection and ensuring peace, security and stability in the region.