UN Security Council discussed cooperation with the CIS, SCO and CSTO in the fight against terrorism

“Today we have to face an unprecedented threat from intolerance, violent extremism and terrorism. These phenomena affect every country, exacerbating conflicts and destabilizing entire regions. And the fight against them is possible only though international cooperation,” stated UN Secretary-General António Guterres at Wednesday’s Security Council meeting on the UN’s cooperation with the CIS, SCO and CSTO in the fight against terrorism.
According to the UN News, the meeting, headed by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, was initiated by Russia, which holds the presidency of the Security Council in September. 
Representatives of three regional organizations – the Commonwealth of Independent States, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the Collective Security Treaty Organization – attended the meeting.
“The new frontier is cyberterrorism: the use of social media and the dark web to coordinate attacks, spread propaganda and recruit new followers,” the UN Secretary-General said.
He emphasized that the UN takes decisive measures to combat extremism in all its forms and, in particular, recalled the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy.
“International cooperation is the first priority of our counter-terrorist strategy. No single country or organization has all the answers to the cross-border challenges posed by terrorism and by returning and relocating foreign terrorist fighters. Countries need to cooperate with one another as well as with partners, including the private sector and civil society," Mr Guterres said.
He emphasized that all three organizations that participated in today’s meeting are examples of active regional cooperation. In particular, they share crucial information and conduct joint operations. The UN, Mr Guterres emphasized, is trying to deepen cooperation with each of them.
He highlighted the work of the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia in implementing the Counter-Terrorism Joint Plan of Action.
“I would like to commend the important work of the Inter-Parliamentary Assembly of the Commonwealth of Independent States to harmonize the counter-terrorism legislation of its members,” added the UN Secretary-General.
In his speech Sergei Lavrov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, recalled the International Counterterrorism Database established in Russia. According to him, about 50 states and several international organisations, including Interpol, are involved in the project now.
“This database really helps track the movement of foreign terrorist fighters around the world. We invite everyone to join this important effort,” Mr Lavrov said.
Mr Lavrov noted the consolidate the efforts of the international community to counteract international terrorist networks and the importance of the UN’s interaction with regional organizations.
He stressed that the CIS, SCO and CSTO have a lot of experience in combating terrorist threats and are making serious contributions to strengthening stability on the Eurasian continent and in Central Asian countries.
“At the same time, we are concerned about the recurring attacks by foreign terrorists in the Central Asian countries, as well as by various terrorist groups’ recruitment campaigns in the region, including those associated with ISIS,” Mr Lavrov said.
“The CSTO and the SCO focus on threats emanating from Afghanistan, including threats to Central Asia. The north of Afghanistan could become a new bridgehead of ISIS-led international terrorist organisations.”
He stressed that one of the CSTO’s priorities is countering efforts to draw people into terrorist activities at all stages – from ideological indoctrination to returning from regions with higher terrorist activity after having received so-called combat experience.
“The CSTO and the SCO focus on threats emanating from Afghanistan, including threats to Central Asia. The north of Afghanistan could become a new bridgehead of ISIS-led international terrorist organisations. Afghanistan certainly requires external assistance in overcoming these threats and challenges,” Mr Lavrov emphasized.
He also said that the Counter-Terrorism Centre has been operating in the CIS since 2000. It ensures coordination between national security agencies, special services and law enforcement bodies in fighting international terrorism.