BISHKEK. Oct 26 (Interfax) - Chinese Premier Li Qiang has noted the need for bolstering security in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) to ensure regional stability.
"Given the developing situation in the world, it would be necessary to bolster regional security and improve SCO mechanisms in the first turn. We should be ready to harshly rebuff the 'three evil forces' [terrorism, extremism and separatism] and transborder crime," Li said at a meeting of the SCO Council of the Heads of Government in Bishkek on Thursday.
"The goal of our association is to keep the future of the region in the hands of regional countries without interference or manipulation from outside. The achievement of the SCO's original objectives will make it possible to maintain peace and stability in our region," Li said.
Beijing is ready to boost cooperation in the SCO and support partner states' national development strategies, he said.
The SCO heads of government are meeting in Bishkek on Thursday. A joint meeting of the Commonwealth of Independent States Council of the Heads of Government and the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council will follow.