Russia Submits Proposals for New SCO Security Center and Anti-Drug Regulations

Russian Security Council Secretary Sergey Shoigu announced that Russia has submitted proposals for the establishment of a universal Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Center for Countering Security Challenges and Threats. Speaking at the 21st meeting of SCO security agency secretaries in Bishkek, Shoigu stated that draft regulations for the new center, to be based in Tashkent, have been developed. Specific issues regarding information security and transnational organized crime units have been sent to Kazakh and Kyrgyz colleagues for review before final submission to all member states. Additionally, Russia has submitted proposals for the draft regulations governing the Executive Committee of the SCO Anti-Drug Center in Dushanbe to Tajikistan. Shoigu urged member states to complete the approval of these documents before the upcoming Bishkek summit scheduled for late August and early September. He emphasized the importance of implementing improvements to SCO activities approved by leaders in 2024. Meanwhile, existing security mechanisms, including the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure, must remain effective during the transition. This move highlights Russia's active role in shaping the SCO's institutional framework to address regional security threats.