Foreign Minister Khurshid Mahmood Kasuri Friday, emphasising the need for forging closer bonds among the members of Shanghai Cooperation Organization and partners to help improve its efficacy in dealing with the threat of terrorism and extremism and improving overall regional security environment.

Addressing the 6th annual SCO Heads of Governments meeting in Tashkent, he said Pakistan is happy to note that SCO is geared towards addressing contemporary challenges and the most pressing issues concerning regional security.

He said these range from narcotics and terrorism, to information, environmental and energy security.

The Foreign Minister said the Regional Anti-Terrorist structure, based here in Tashkent can play an important and defining role towards improving the security and fighting terrorism and extremism.

Kasuri said, "Pakistan, at its end is engaged in a concerted struggle to root out terrorism and extremism from its soil."

He said, "We have adopted a comprehensive strategy combining political, administrative, economic and military measures to eliminate violence and extremism from our society."

The Foreign Minister said Pakistan and Afghanistan have jointly launched the Grand Peace Jirga initiative, a process that aims to address the problem at the local levels to bring peace adding that Pakistan is confident of a positive outcome of this process.

He said, "Pakistan continues to follow the Shanghai process with great interest since its inception over eleven years ago."

Kasuri said as an Observer, Pakistan is gratified to have been associated with SCO adding that since 2005, Pakistan has participated regularly and at the highest level at this forum.

He said he also takes this opportunity to once again register Pakistan’s interest in joining SCO as full member, which has been put on hold pending finalization of relevant regulations.

"We feel that expansion will enrich the Organization and serve the interests of the broader region. Pakistan would like to see early progress on this score, " he added.

Referring to performance of SCO, the Foreign Minister said, "We applaud SCO’s steady development and planned expansion in specific areas of cooperation on the basis of the principles of mutual trust, equality of sovereign nations, respect for territorial integrity and diversity of cultures, and a common aspiration for development."

Kasuri said the Bishkek Declaration adopted at the last Heads of States meeting, has rightly highlighted the growing interdependence of nations, the need to formulate a new international security agenda in strict compliance of accepted norms of international law, and the vital linkage that exists between security and economic development.

He said, "Pakistan views with appreciation the strides that SCO has taken in forging closer cooperation among member states in the economic sphere."

The Business Council and the Inter-Bank Consortium are useful tools for strengthening economic linkages, he added.

The Foreign Minister said Pakistani business community and financial sector would be happy to contribute to the effective functioning of both these institutions.

Referring to the importance of energy sector, the Foreign Minister said by harmonizing the interests of the producers, consumers and transit states, the SCO can establish a credible framework for collaboration in this vital area.

Pakistan is willing to participate in a dialogue to strengthen energy cooperation among the SCO States, both members and observers, he added.

He said, "SCO must come up with a holistic and constructive vision for the region, a vision infused with the Shanghai Spirit of peace, stability and development."

The Foreign Minister said, "Through determination innovation and collaborative action, we can transform challenges into opportunity and ensure secure and bright future for our region."

Kasuri said Uzbekistan and the great Uzbek nation occupy a special place in the hearts and minds of the people of Pakistan.

"Our two countries enjoy a relationship grounded in common history, culture and ethos. We deeply cherish this friendship and wish to expand it further," he said.