DUSHANBE, 14.05.2020. (NIAT Khovar) – Yesterday, the Minister of Foreign Affairs Sirojiddin Muhriddin attended an extraordinary meeting of the Ministerial Council of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), which was held for the first time via video conferencing.

The ministers held a thorough exchange of views on the SCO’s priorities for countering the COVID-19 pandemic, and discussed possible mechanisms of interaction to mitigate the effects of the negative impact on the socio-economic development of the SCO family countries, reports the Tajik Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

In his speech, Muhriddin noted that the global pandemic negatively impacts a number of socio-economic indicators of Tajikistan, reducing revenues of the national budget.

Muhriddin also informed his colleagues about other issues relating to the pandemic, primarily the need to ensure transit and communication opportunities and food security, as well as the supply of medical equipment and medications.

Muhriddin has paid particular attention to ensuring regional security. In this context, he touched upon the challenges and threats emanating from Afghanistan, and stressed the need to further strengthen the Tajik-Afghan border.

The ministers also discussed the role and place of the SCO in the modern system of international relations, and spoke out for the importance of a worthy celebration of the Victory in World War II and the 75th anniversary of the United Nations.

They also considered the preparations for the meeting of the SCO Heads of State Council and other events under the Russian presidency.

Following the meeting, a statement was made by the SCO FMs regarding the spread of COVID-19.