It is necessary to give a worthy rebuff to the terrorist threat – Tokayev

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev held a meeting with the secretaries of the security councils of the SCO member states, Liter.kz reports with reference to Chord.

The President noted that the meetings of the secretaries are of particular relevance given the growing role of collective security in the vast area of ​​responsibility of the SCO.

Over the past year, 183 regional and local conflicts were observed in the world, the number of which increased by almost 30%. This is the highest figure in the last three decades. Experts believe a global cycle of conflict and violence is unfolding. Against this background, the threat of international terrorism is increasing,” said Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

According to the head of state, recent tragic events in the Moscow region have shown that terrorists continue to use the most cruel and inhumane forms of violence.

Kazakhstan immediately expressed its strong condemnation of the terrorist attack and expressed solidarity with Russia. The intelligence services of the two countries are in constant contact on issues of cooperation in the anti-terrorist sphere. The terrorist attack in the Moscow region is strongly condemned by the entire world community, including the countries represented by you today. The UN Security Council stressed the need to bring all perpetrators to justice and the importance of international cooperation in the fight against terrorism. The main thing is to draw the right conclusions and take the necessary practical measures. It is necessary to ensure the safety of our citizens and give a worthy rebuff to the terrorist threat,” the president emphasized.

He recalled that the Shanghai Organization was once created to ensure stability and security in the region in order to jointly resist the “three forces of evil.”

These threats now not only remain relevant, but are also transformed, acquiring new severity. We, in turn, need more systematic and decisive responses. We must not allow manifestations of terrorism, extremism and separatism to be used to undermine internal stability in our states. Countering the “three forces of evil,” as well as transnational organized crime, drug trafficking and cybersecurity challenges, is one of the priorities of Kazakhstan’s chairmanship in the SCO, the president said.

He believes that it is necessary to adopt a Cooperation Program to counter terrorism, separatism and extremism for 2025-2027.

The speech also noted the importance of adopting the SCO Anti-Drug Strategy for 2024-2029 and the Action Program for its implementation.

The SCO is one of the foundations of the updated international security architecture. Therefore, our organization must set an example of coordinated and concrete steps to ensure stability and security in the region,” said Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

According to the president, increased attention should be paid to the development of the situation in Afghanistan in order to prevent the use of its territory by international terrorist groups.

Tokayev believes it is important to continue efforts to prevent a humanitarian crisis in this country and create conditions for long-term stabilization.

The conflict in the Middle East remains a serious factor undermining security. Its tragic consequences were felt by civilians. Irreparable damage has been caused to regional stability. High-level diplomacy is needed to prevent further escalation. In general, it can be stated that international tension still remains. “I firmly believe that our organization, representing half of the world’s population, is able to offer a formula for a safe and just world,” the head of state emphasized.

He further stated that Kazakhstan stands for open political and diplomatic dialogue, maintaining constructive relations with its global and regional partners.

We adhere to the principle of indivisibility of Eurasian security, which implies mutual understanding and the creation of confidence-building measures. This approach should form the basis of the strategic task of forming a security belt along the perimeter of the SCO. Kazakhstan called the priority of its chairmanship in the organization to make a feasible contribution to ensuring international peace and safe coexistence of states. That is why we proposed to jointly develop and adopt the SCO Initiative “On World Unity for a Just Peace and Harmony.” The Kazakh side is ready to show flexibility on this issue during the discussion of the draft of such a very important document,” the president noted.

Earlier, Tokayev held a meeting with the SCO Secretary General. The latter noted Kazakhstan’s significant contribution to the development of the organization’s potential.

The SCO is an international organization founded in 2001 by the presidents of China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan.