In a statement released at a meeting of the of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Council of Foreign Ministers (SCO-CFM) in Moscow, Tajik Foreign Minister Sirojiddin Muhriddin noted on September 10 that problems caused by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic require concerted measures and mobilization of existing resources, according to the Tajik MFA information department.  

In this context, Tajik foreign minister reportedly took the initiative to develop the 2021-2022 plan of priority actions to mitigate socioeconomic and financial effects of the coronavirus epidemic in the region.  

He emphasized that issues related to combating terrorism, extremism, separatism, drug trafficking and transnational organized crime remain priorities of the SCO agenda. 

Besides, Muhriddin emphasized the necessity of taking effective steps to support countries being at the forefront of countering drug trafficking.

In this connection, Muhriddin recalled the initiative promoted by Tajikistan to set up the SCO Ant-Drug Center in Dushanbe.  

Tajik foreign minister also called on the SCO member nations to carry out more active work on expanding economic, cultural and humanitarian cooperation within the framework of the Organization, emphasizing the necessity of using transit opportunities of the SCO member nations through establishing new transport corridors.