Members and observers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization
(SCO), a regional inter-governmental body, are presently meeting in
Beijing to discuss how to step up defense cooperation among
members. Approximately 30 military officials are in attendance.
The theme of the 10-day forum is "China's Peaceful Development
and the SCO." The event runs from November 7-16 at the Chinese
University of National Defense.
"The forum aims at boosting the exchange and mutual trust in
defense and security among SCO members and observers," said an
official of the forum's organizers the Chinese Defense
Ministry.
The participants are from SCO member countries. They are China,
Kazakhstan, Kirghizia, Russia, Tadzhikistan and Uzbekistan. The
observers are Mongolia, Pakistan, Iran and India.
This is the second year the forum has been held. China also
hosted the 2005 forum.
Established in 2001 the SCO is committed to fighting terrorism,
separatism and extremism and maintaining regional peace, security
and stability.
(Xinhua News Agency November 9, 2006)