Uzbek President Islam Karimov said Friday that the establishment of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is a event of historical impact and that Uzbekistan is optimistic of its future.

He made the remarks here while meeting with journalists covering the meeting of the heads of states of the SCO.

Karimov said his country has joined the organization completely out of its own will, because its targets and principles is in line of Uzbekistan's interests.

He noted that the priority before the SCO is to solve the issue of security and stability of the region.

Karimov expressed the belief that central Asian countries, with their rich resources and huge potential, could play a bigger role in the international stage.

Uzbekistan is glad to become a member of the SCO and is pinning a high hope on the future of the organization, he added.

SCO A Milestone in Development of Ties between Members: Tajik President

(Xinhua 06/15/2001)