国内英语新闻:China ready to consolidate security cooperation with SCO partners: minister

TASHKENT, April 24 (Xinhua) -- China is willing to consolidate cooperation with all the other member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) on safeguarding regional security and promoting collective prosperity, Chinese Public Security Minister Meng Jianzhu said here Friday.

Meng, also a Chinese State Councilor, made the remarks at the fifth session of the SCO Security Council Secretaries, which drew interior and public security ministers of SCO member states to prepare for a June summit of the organization in Tashkent.

The SCO, a regional security organization founded in 2001, consists of China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

Meng said that against the backdrop of complicated global and regional situations, it is important for SCO countries to deepen practical cooperation and safeguard regional stability by further coordinating cooperative mechanisms within the SCO framework.

It was also important to seek collaboration and utilize various resources, he said.

Meng noted the lingering effects triggered by the global financial crisis on economy and society, as well as the continuing threats from terrorism, extremism and separatism on regional security. He said that SCO members all face the heavy tasks of maintaining national security and social stability.

The SCO interior and public security ministers also exchanged views on issues including the fight against Internet terrorism, illegal arms dealing, drug trafficking and protection of gas and oil pipelines.