SCO Rescuers Agree to Boost Cooperation

A meeting between rescue experts of China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kirghizia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, the six member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), has ended in Beijing.

SCO experts discussed and co-ordinated the consolidated project of the agreement between the SCO governments on co-operation in liquidating emergencies. A protocol was signed following the meeting.

The agreement establishes the principles, forms and processes of rendering assistance in case of emergencies.

This document is to be signed during a second meeting between heads of rescue services of the SCO member states to be in Beijing in autumn 2003.