Senate of Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan approved laws “On the ratification of the agreement on a procedure for organizing and conducting joint anti-terrorist training exercises by the Shanghai Cooperation Organization member states (Dushanbe on 28 August 2008)” and “On the ratification of the agreement between the governments of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization member states in fighting smuggling arms, ammunition and explosives (Dushanbe, 28 August 2008)”.

The documents were aimed at strengthening cooperation between the SCO member states in fighting terrorism and extremism and that it specified a procedure for the sides’ taking part in training exercises and in other issues regarding joint activities in the field.

Uzbekistan signed the interstate document with a proviso that it will take part in the joint anti-terrorist training exercises of the SCO member states as an observer.

The SCO groups China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.