SCO-RATS meeting in Islamabad backs Iran’s sovereignty and urges de-escalation as regional tensions remain high.
WEB DESK: The Council of the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO-RATS) has condemned new military attacks against Iran and reaffirmed support for Tehran’s sovereignty, security and territorial integrity.
The position was adopted during the 46th meeting of the SCO-RATS Council in Islamabad on Monday, September 14, which was held under Pakistan’s chairmanship. Delegations from Pakistan, China, Russia, India, Iran and other SCO member states attended the meeting.
The council also backed efforts aimed at reducing tensions, establishing peace and promoting regional stability.
SCO-RATS calls for de-escalation
According to the statement issued after the meeting, the council “condemned the new military attacks” against Iran and reaffirmed the SCO’s previously expressed position on the issue.
The council expressed condolences to the Iranian government and people over the reported death of Supreme Leader Seyyed Ali Khamenei, as well as to the families of those killed.
It reiterated its position on preserving Iran’s sovereignty, security and territorial integrity and supported diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation.
The SCO had previously expressed opposition to military strikes against Iran and called for conflicts to be addressed through political and diplomatic means.
India, China and Russia among participants
The Islamabad meeting brought together delegations from Belarus, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, along with representatives of the SCO-RATS Executive Committee.
The participation of India was notable given its longstanding tensions with Pakistan. The meeting nevertheless produced a common position on the need to preserve regional stability and support de-escalation.
The official SCO account said the meeting focused on strengthening practical cooperation among member states to address regional security challenges.
Counterterrorism cooperation discussed
Beyond the situation involving Iran, the council reviewed cooperation against terrorism, separatism and extremism.
Member states approved work plans for the SCO-RATS Executive Committee and expert groups and agreed to strengthen information infrastructure to improve cooperation among relevant authorities.
The countries also agreed to conduct a joint counterterrorism information operation in 2027, hold a seminar on preventing terrorist, separatist and extremist use of the internet, and organise a joint counterterrorism exercise.
Pakistan hands SCO-RATS chairmanship to Russia
The meeting also marked the end of Pakistan’s chairmanship of the SCO-RATS Council.
The chairmanship was formally transferred to Russia, while the next council meeting is scheduled to take place at the SCO-RATS Executive Committee premises in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
The meeting comes amid heightened regional tensions and continued international concern over the conflict involving Iran.
