Member countries of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) passed an action plan on cooperation in disaster relief in Beijing Wednesday, after a two-day discussion.

 

The plan, which was passed at a ministerial meeting on emergency disaster relief, sets a more specific timetable and details on cooperation between SCO member states from 2006 to 2007.

 

Ministers and officials from SCO member nations China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan attended the two-day meeting.

 

They also had observed an exercise in earthquake relief conducted by Chinese governmental departments Tuesday.

 

Vice Premier Hui Liangyu met with ministers from the SCO member countries Wednesday afternoon.

 

Hui said the action plan would lay a solid foundation for the states to further enhance cooperation.

 

The six countries signed an agreement on mutual disaster assistance in August 2005 in Moscow. The action plan specifies some details.

 

Hui said the Chinese government attached high importance to disaster relief cooperation. He hoped all countries would take the meeting as an opportunity to further cooperation.

 

He also briefed the guests on China's social and economic development.

 

(Xinhua News Agency November 23, 2006)