Comment on "SCO FMs meet to promote cooperation" (China Daily, July 14)

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization is on the right path, because it is trying to strengthen cooperation, exchanges and interactions, especially on the social front, among member states with an eye on their core interests and integrity (such as collectively recognizing and defending every member state's borders and territorial integrity).

Of course, terrorism still poses a major threat in the region. But sustained prosperity, backed by stronger cross-border cooperation, should reduce that threat. Therefore, measures should be taken to improve the living standards of people in the region. Russia, too, will look forward to playing an appropriate economic role to make a difference. But everything will depend on how effective a plan SCO member states agree to.

Biztru, on China Daily website