SCO RATS Council Condemns New Attacks on Iran at Islamabad Meeting

The 46th meeting of the Council of the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO RATS) was held in Islamabad on Monday, with member states discussing regional security, counterterrorism cooperation and emerging threats.

According to Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the meeting was chaired by Pakistan and attended by delegations from Belarus, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, along with representatives of the SCO RATS Executive Committee. The meeting was held in a business like and friendly atmosphere.

The council condemned what it described as new military attacks against Iranand reaffirmed the SCO’s previously stated position on the issue. The council also expressed condolences to the Iranian government and people over the reported death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Seyyed Ali Khamenei, as well as to the families of those killed. It reaffirmed support for Iran’s sovereignty, security and territorial integrity and backed efforts aimed at de-escalation, peace and regional stability.

The meeting reviewed progress on previously adopted decisions concerning cooperation among SCO member states in combating terrorism, separatism and extremism, collectively referred to by the organisation as the “three forces of evil.” The council also approved work plans for the SCO RATS Executive Committee and expert groups focusing on counterterrorism and related security challenges.

As part of efforts to strengthen information-sharing and cooperation, the member states agreed to conduct a series of joint activities in 2027. These will include a joint information operation on countering terrorism, a practical seminar on the misuse of the internet for terrorist, separatist and extremist purposes, and a joint counterterrorism exercise aimed at identifying and preventing such activities online.

The council further agreed to hold the 13th International Scientific and Practical Conference on cooperation in countering terrorism, separatism and extremism in Kazakhstan. Organisational and staffing matters concerning the SCO RATS Executive Committee were also reviewed, while several officials were recognised for their contributions to strengthening cooperation within the organisation.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the chairmanship of the SCO RATS Council was formally transferred from Pakistan to Russia. The next meeting of the council will be held at the SCO RATS Executive Committee’s premises in Tashkent.