The measures recently taken by Kyrgyzstan to combat terrorism will help promote the cause of peace, security and stability in central Asia, said Foreign Ministry spokesperson Qin Gang on Thursday.

 

Qin said China is aware of the measures taken by the Kyrgyzstan government to counter the "three forces," namely terrorism, extremism and separatism, and the progress it has made.

 

The Chinese side highly appreciates the measures taken by Kyrgyzstan which will help safeguard peace, security and stability in central Asia, said Qin.

 

Qin said China is ready to work with central Asian countries such as Kyrgyzstan to develop bilateral cooperation within the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), further combat the "three forces" and contribute to regional peace and stability.

 

The SCO, established in 1996, groups China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

 

(Xinhua News Agency August 3, 2006)