Beijing, China - May 22, 2018 (CGTN - No access Chinese mainland)
1. Attendees at 13th meeting of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Security Council Secretaries posing for group photo
2. Various of meeting in progress
3. Press conference in progress
4. SOUNDBITE (Chinese) Zhao Kezhi, Chinese State Councilor and Minister of Public Security:
"With India and Pakistan joining the SCO, we see an expanded space for cooperation in various areas. With complex and profound changes underway in the international and regional security landscape, the organization shoulders heavier responsibilities."

FILE: Balykchy, Kyrgyzstan - Sept 21, 2016 (CCTV - No access Chinese mainland)
5. Various of tanks, soldiers during drill
6. National flags of China, Kazakhstan, flag of Shanghai Cooperation Organization
7. Various of Chinese troops marching
8. Soldiers, military dogs marching

Beijing, China - May 22, 2018 (CGTN - No access Chinese mainland)
9. SOUNDBITE (Russian) Rashid Alimov, SOC Secretary-General:
"The meeting has taken SCO meetings to a new level. All parties will conduct joint actions, fight terrorism and extremism together."
10. Officials signing documents

The 13th meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Security Council Secretaries wrapped up in Beijing on Tuesday, fulfilling the primary task to make political and security preparations for the Qingdao summit in June and discuss how to further enhance regional stability and security.

It is the first meeting of its kind after Pakistan and India became SCO members.

Participants had an in-depth exchange of views on issues including the regional security situation of the SCO, cooperation in fighting the "three evil forces" of terrorism, separatism and extremism, as well as guaranteeing international information safety.

Zhao Kezhi, Chinese State Councilor and Minister of Public Security, said at a joint press conference that officials agreed on a wide range of topics, among them the need to boost security cooperation.

"With India and Pakistan joining the SCO, we see an expanded space for cooperation in various areas. With complex and profound changes underway in the international and regional security landscape, the organization faces heavier responsibilities," said Zhao.

The meetings of SCO National Security Council Secretaries, first held in 2004, are used to coordinate security efforts across the region. The annual gathering has emerged as one of the most important platforms for member countries to conduct security talks, injecting new impetus into regional cooperation.

"The meeting has taken SCO meetings to a new level. All parties will conduct joint actions, fight terrorism and extremism together," said Rashid Alimov, SOC Secretary-General.

Maintaining regional security and stability has always been the priority among SCO member countries. During the first summit after expansion, the member states are ready to work out increasing mutual political support, and achieving sustainable peace.