AKIPRESS.COM - President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Joomart Tokayev met with the Secretaries of the Security Councils of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member states in Akorda.

The head of state said the country is preparing to host the Astana SCO Summit which is of great importance for Kazakhstan.

Tokayev added that meetings of the Secretaries of the SCO Security Councils come to the fore amid the growing role of collective security in the zone of SCO responsibility.

"The world witnessed 183 regional and local conflicts in the past year, a nearly 30% increase, which 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 intensifying," Kassym-Joomart Tokayev stressed.

He noted that countering "three evil forces" (terrorism, separatism and extremism) along with transnational organized crime, drug trafficking and cybersecurity challenges remain priorities during Kazakhstan's chairmanship in the SCO.

The President advocated adopting a cooperation program to counter terrorism, separatism, and extremism for 2025-2027 and the SCO Anti-Drug Strategy for 2024-2029.

Tokayev urged for increased attention to the situation in Afghanistan to prevent the exploitation of its territory by international terrorist groups. The head of state underscored the importance of ongoing efforts to avert a humanitarian crisis in this country and create conditions for long-term stabilization.

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

The President pointed out the broader challenges posed by the climate crisis and the exacerbation of food, water, transport, and energy security issues.

Kassym-Joomart Tokayev noted the importance of coordinating the work of the Secretaries of the Security Councils to ensure the national security of the SCO member states.

According to the leader of Kazakhstan, the SCO is a unique organization due to its universal agenda, which includes issues of economic cooperation, investment policy, cultural exchange, and humanitarian ties.