Members and observers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), a regional inter-governmental body, are presently meeting in Beijing to discuss how to step up defense cooperation among members. Approximately 30 military officials are in attendance.

The theme of the 10-day forum is "China's Peaceful Development and the SCO." The event runs from November 7-16 at the Chinese University of National Defense.

"The forum aims at boosting the exchange and mutual trust in defense and security among SCO members and observers," said an official of the forum's organizers the Chinese Defense Ministry.

The participants are from SCO member countries. They are China, Kazakhstan, Kirghizia, Russia, Tadzhikistan and Uzbekistan. The observers are Mongolia, Pakistan, Iran and India.

This is the second year the forum has been held. China also hosted the 2005 forum.

Established in 2001 the SCO is committed to fighting terrorism, separatism and extremism and maintaining regional peace, security and stability.

(Xinhua News Agency November 9, 2006)