Shanghai Corporation Organization (SCO) :A New Platform
The Shanghai Co-operation Organization (SCO) is an Intergovernmental International Organization founded in Shanghai on June 15, 2001 by six countries China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. it's member states cover an area of over 30 million KM per square or about Three-fifth of Eurasia with a population of 1.455 billion about a quarter of the world's total .
Origin of SCO:-
SCO‘s predecessor, the Shanghai Five mechanism originated in 1996 from the endeavor by China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan to strengthen confidence -building and disarmament in the border-regions. Treaties on deepening military trust and reduction of military forces in border regions were signed .thereafter this annual meeting became a regular practice and had been held alternatively in the five member state. The next milestone was achieved when Uzbekistan, most populous and militarily powerful state, entered the organization in Dushanbe Summit in 2001.Thus converting the Shanghai five to Shanghai Co-operation Organization.
The SCO decided to set up a Beijing based secretariat .The leaders also agreed to establish a regional anti-terrorist centre in the capital of Kyrgyzstan, Bishkek.
Co-operation in various areas:-
At present, SCO co-operation has covered wide ranging areas such as security, the economy, transportation, culture, disaster, relief and law enforcement with security and economic co-operation being the priorities.
Multilateral economic and trade co-operation among six member states were planned in a meeting held in September 2003 at Beijing.
SCO External Relations:-
The purpose, potential and smooth development of the SCO have attracted world wide attention. Several countries and international organizations have proposed to establish contacts and co-operation with the SCO .The organization follows a principle of openness and is ready to conduct dialogue, exchange and co-operation in all forms with other nations and International organization .Pakistan has already expressed an interest in observer status and Mongolia and India are considering future membership as well. Iran and Turkmenistan have also expressed interest in this organization. If they join, more than half the population of Eurasia from the Baltic to Pacific will be arrayed in a loose political, economic and military alliance.
Challenges:-
Post 9/11 era has given rise to three hostile forces in the region .Terrorism, separatism and extremism. The organization needs to have more influence over Central Asia. It is required to make it a more viable organization by mutual agreements and permanent efforts otherwise the essence of the organization would be unconstructive and meaningless.
Maheen Mirza likes to share experiences and is very passionate about writing. As a TRCB Author, I share my work with others. For information about Maheen Mirza please visit haveinsight.blogspot.com
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