The presidents of the six member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, including China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, signed a pact Friday to join hands to battle "three forces."
The Shanghai pact on battling terrorism, separatism and extremism will provide a legal framework for the joint efforts of the member countries and the security and stability of the region, marking a major step in strengthening security cooperation among the six countries, officials of the Chinese Foreign Ministry said.
The pact provides clear legal definition on the term of " terrorism", "separatism" and "extremism." It also stipulates the specific way and procedure of cooperation.
The six countries pledged that they will abide by the objectives and principles of the UN Charter and other relevant statements and declaration previously signed by the "Shanghai Five " members.
The six countries will join hands to crack down on the three forces, which they say are threatening the territorial integrity and security of the six countries and their political, economic and social stability.
Officials said the pact will help maintain the political stability of member countries as well as the economic development and social stability. It will also help provide a favorable environment for wide-range economic cooperation.
In addition, the pact is important to the process of peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region, officials said.
(Xinhua 06/15/2001)
