Askarov said it is no secret that international terrorism organizations are seeking access to the WMD. He said the Central Asian region is continuing to face with firm crime intentions of international terror groups and various extremism structures. He said they are starting to use new technologies, using their information, personnel and financial resources.

Murad Askarov confirmed firm position of Uzbekistan in strengthening of the central coordination role of the UN in fighting terrorism challenges. He added Uzbekistan, holding presidency in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), advocates for further boosting interaction between the UN and the SCO, shaping true partnership relations between the organizations.

He said fight against international terrorism, radical, aggressive extremism and separatism, drug trafficking and organized crime undoubtedly is important part of the SCO activities. Askarov said the Regional Antiterrorism Structure plays important role in this sphere in the SCO. He said the structure is effective tool and platform for uniting efforts and political interaction of the member states’ law enforcement bodies and special services.

Uzbek envoy said the SCO Regional Antiterrorism Structure and special divisions and structures of the UN, such as Counterterrorism Committee of the UN Security Council, should establish and support working contracts, including in exchange of information about new trends in international terrorism, forms and methods of terrorism groups’ activity and anti-terrorism measures, adopted in international level, including in the UN.

Askarov said effective combination of huge UN experience and the SCO potential will give new impulse to institutional improvement of the organizations and promote strengthening of regional and international security, sustainable development of the region’s states.