BAKU - Peace and stability in Central Asia region depends on development of the situation in Afghanistan, Foreign Ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) believe, the Kyrgyz Foreign Ministry reported.
Such a statement was made within the SCO Foreign Ministers council meeting in Kyrgyz city of Cholpan Ata on Saturday.
The meeting participants noted that the UN plays the central role in international efforts aimed at resolution of the situation in Afghanistan and supported desire of the Afghan people to restore the peace and revive the country.
"SCO stands for the establishment of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan as an independent, peaceful, neutral and prosperous state, free from terrorism and drug-related crime," Foreign Ministers said.

The meeting participants also discussed issues of further intensification and improvement of multilateral cooperation within the Organization and enhancing of the SCO role in international and regional affairs. The Ministers exchanged of views on topical international issues and the situation in the region, as well as the expansion of the SCO relations with other countries and organizations.

The heads of delegations expressed their deep concern about the situation in the Middle East and North Africa, and called for peace, stability, prosperity and progress in the region on the basis of universally recognized norms and principles of international law.

The meeting participants stressed that a reliable joint system should be created to counter against drug trafficking and spread of drug addiction. They also urged to cooperate with other states, regional and international organizations and agencies on this issue.

The heads of delegations noted that the strengthening of mutually beneficial cooperation between the SCO member states in economic, trade, investment, finance, transportation, telecommunications, agriculture and innovation areas contributes to the sustainable development of the member states of the organization. (Agencies)