Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Secretary-General Nurlan Yermekbayev outlined key areas of cooperation among member states on regional security at the first SCO Plus Expert Forum on Security Dialogue, being held in Samarkand, the SCO press service reported.
In his address, Yermekbayev thanked President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev for proposing the forum at the SCO summit in Astana in 2024. According to the Secretary-General, the SCO Plus format creates opportunities to develop broad international partnerships involving various countries.
Yermekbayev noted that over its 25 years of existence, the SCO had evolved into a multilateral transregional organisation bringing together countries with different political systems, cultural traditions and national priorities.
At the same time, Central Asia has been designated as the organisation’s core by unanimous decision of the leaders of its member states.
One of the key topics of his address was the situation in Afghanistan and its implications for regional security.
The Secretary-General reaffirmed the SCO’s commitment to the emergence of an independent, neutral and peaceful Afghanistan, free from terrorism, war and drugs.
“The SCO reaffirms its commitment to the emergence of Afghanistan as an independent, neutral and peaceful state, free from terrorism, war and drugs, as well as its readiness to support the international community’s efforts to ensure peace, stability and development in the country,” Yermekbayev said.
The organisation’s head also recalled decisions adopted at the SCO Council of Heads of State summit in Bishkek in early September 2026. In particular, participants approved regulations governing the Universal Centre for Countering Challenges and Threats to the Security of SCO Member States and the Executive Committee of the organisation’s Anti-Drug Centre.
The summit also adopted programmes running until 2030 to combat drug addiction and the spread of synthetic drugs and their precursors.
Yermekbayev identified further priorities for cooperation, including deeper engagement among expert communities, efforts to counter emerging technological threats and risks, and the development of joint measures against terrorism, extremism, transnational organised crime and illicit drug trafficking.
He also highlighted the importance of combating money laundering, strengthening preventive diplomacy and fostering a culture of international dialogue.
