The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) has forged a stronger identity and set out a clearer mission. 

The summit on Tuesday enrolled Iran, India and Pakistan as observers.

The new members expand the scope of the organization, which groups China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Mongolia also has observer status.

The summit endorsed a document called the Concept of Cooperation in the Fight Against Terrorism, Separatism and Extremism. Other measures ratified at the meeting include a provision on permanent representatives of SCO countries to the common information and coordination center in Tashkent.

The center, known as the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure, marks a new period of resolve in the organization's fight against terrorism.

Central and South Asia are home to numerous interlinked extremist groups. The SCO is a regional organization with a geographical ambit that is congruent with this transnational threat. Moreover, the organization can politically coordinate extensive future transnational infrastructure projects in the region.

Fighting terrorism and closer economic cooperation are two major spheres in which the organization has launched important initiatives.

These are the key areas the SCO has concentrated on. Economic cooperation has underpinned security. This cooperation is the basis and top priority of the SCO.

Today's view of security involves concerns over terrorism, cross-border crime, drug trafficking, human trafficking, the spread of diseases and resource competition.

When the SCO was established in 1996, it was responding to challenges facing Central Asia.

The organization is a major development in international relations and a model of security cooperation in the post-Cold War era.

It is not a military alliance directed against any third party, but a forum for dialogue and consultation on an equal basis in the spheres of politics, security and economics.

The 2003 SCO summit in Moscow turned out to be a milestone in the organization's maturity, with the establishment of a secretariat and the designation of its first secretary-general.

The "Shanghai Spirit," which is the underpinning of the SCO, has been characterized as containing five Cs confidence, communication, cooperation, coexistence and common interests. The organization epitomizes a new type of interstate relationship, a new security concept and a new model of regional cooperation.

The SCO is one of the most effective regional organizations. Leaders of SCO member states can elaborate positions themselves without mediators.

The forum has created opportunities for a clear and frank dialogue on current problems.

There is more to achieve so the organization can be a more viable and effective regional mechanism.

Institutional cooperation and consultation between the six member states have been developed over the years.

Its vitality and key role in regional affairs require more commitment from political leaders and continued efforts to build up the political, economic and security infrastructure.

This is a daunting challenge the organization must face in the years ahead. The Astana summit represents an important step in that direction.

The SCO will convene in Moscow in September. Greater efforts are needed if the organization is to provide clearer responses to challenges to regional stability.

(China Daily July 6, 2005)