Tajikistan has urged the expansion of joint military and security exercises within the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), as regional states step up coordination on counterterrorism, extremism and emerging digital threats.

The call was made during a meeting of interior and public security ministers of SCO member states held in Bishkek, The Caspian Post reports via Sputnik Tajikistan.

Delegations from member countries discussed a wide range of security challenges, including efforts to combat terrorism, extremist activity, illegal drug trafficking, and risks linked to the use of modern digital technologies.

Officials also stressed the importance of strengthening information sharing and practical cooperation between law enforcement agencies across the bloc.

Leading the Tajik delegation, Interior Minister Ramazon Rahimzoda highlighted the SCO’s growing role in maintaining regional security and called for deeper operational coordination between security structures.

He proposed enhancing secure communication channels between agencies, expanding joint exercises, and improving mechanisms to counter the financing of terrorist groups and train specialized personnel.

Participants also emphasized the need for preventive measures against radicalization and coordinated efforts to curb the spread of extremist ideology.

The meeting concluded with renewed commitments to strengthen security cooperation and improve existing regional mechanisms within the SCO framework.