New Delhi, Nov 8 (UNI) The member nations of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) on Friday agreed on the need to step up their joint efforts to strengthen cooperation and provide assistance in the field of Prevention of Emergency Situations and provide assistance.

Chaired by Home Minister Amit Shah, the tenth SCO Meeting of the Heads of Departments of Member-States of Shanghai Cooperation Organization, dealing with Prevention and Elimination of Emergency Situations was held here.

Besides Mr Shah, the Ministers and Heads of the Departments of Prevention and Elimination of Emergency Situations of SCO Member-States, the representatives of Diplomatic missions of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the Republic of Tajikistan and the SCO Secretariat participated in this meeting.

The delegation heads delivered reports on the major emergencies that happened in the SCO Member States and the conclusions they made from them. They also exchanged opinions on future cooperation in Prevention and Elimination of Emergency Situations within the SCO framework, an official said.

The participants intend to continue to promote their interaction to implement the agreements reached within the framework of the organization.

The parties discussed the results of joint events held in 2018-2019 and approved the Action plan to implement the intergovernmental SCO agreement on emergency relief cooperation in 2020-2021, the Action plan will contribute to stepping up joint efforts in dealing with the prevention and elimination of emergency situations among SCO Member-States.

Following the meeting, Heads of the Departments of Prevention and Elimination of Emergency Situations of the SCO Member-States signed a protocol.

The meeting was held in a productive and friendly atmosphere. The SCO Member-States appreciated the efforts of India for successful hosting of the Joint Urban Earthquake search & Rescue Exercise-2019 of SCO Member-States in New Delhi, the official added.

The parties expressed satisfaction with the results achieved and extended gratitude to India for the excellent organization of the meeting.

UNI ASH SHK1806