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China reiterated support to
fight “three evil forces”
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Major evils are projected as
terrorism, separatism and extremism
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Uzbek to continue playing
major role in Regional Anti-Terrorism Structure (RATS)
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China vowed to strengthen coordination efforts and support for the Shanghai
Cooperation Organization Regional Anti-Terrorism Structure (RATS) “To fight the
‘three evil forces’ including the ‘East Turkistan’ force and safeguard security
and stability in the region.” In his meeting with Uzbek counterpart Islam Karimov, Chinese President Hu Jintao said “it is in the common interests of
China and Uzbekistan, as well as all the other countries there.”
RATS was started in June 2004 and headquartered in Uzbekistan's capital
Tashkent and is tasked with a mission to step up coordination among SCO member
states and international organizations to combat the “three evil forces” of
terrorism, separatism and extremism. Hu complimented Uzbekistan for its
important contribution to the successful start of RATS and to the important
role it played.
Hu lionized China-Uzbek relationship, saying it features political support,
deepening cooperation and close coordination, and it contributes to regional
and global peace and stability. The China-Uzbekistan treaty signed last year
for friendly and cooperative partnership is being highlighted as the driving
force behind pushing bilateral relations to a new level.
Hu said that “China appreciates the firm support from Uzbekistan on such
issues as Taiwan and on the strike against the ‘East Turkistan’ terrorist
force. We will also support Uzbekistan along a development road which is in
line with its domestic situation.” While bilateral economic and trade ties grew
at a fast pace, Hu said there is still great potential that could be tapped. He
said that “China will promote friendly and mutually beneficial cooperation with
Uzbekistan in economy, trade and energy and continuously push bilateral ties
forward.”
Karimov said Uzbekistan is satisfied with its rising cooperation with China in
all fields and that it attaches importance to its relations with China which
will enhance cooperation in such fields as politics, economy, trade, education,
medicine and the fight against the ‘three evil forces.’
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