SCO counter-terrorism and cyber-threat center to be created in Tashkent, with its branch in Bishkek

A universal center of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) will be located in the capital of Uzbekistan, tasked with countering terrorism, extremism and threats in the information space. The center will be created on the basis of the existing SCO Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure in Tashkent.

A unit of the center for combating transnational organized crime will operate in Bishkek.

The new structure will become a permanent body of the SCO and will coordinate interaction between law enforcement agencies and security services of the member states. In addition to terrorism and extremism, its remit will include countering separatism and organized crime, including in the information space.

The document defines the powers of the center's leadership, the financing procedure, the legal status of its staff and other organizational issues. The law on ratification of the agreement has so far passed preliminary review in the relevant Senate committee.

Earlier, Uzbekistan proposed that SCO countries strengthen cooperation among their security services in combating terrorism, cyberattacks and the recruitment of young people via the internet. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev put forward the initiative in an address to participants of an international security meeting in Samarkand.