The relevant intergovernmental agreement was signed in Moscow on October 26, 2005.
It is designed to create the conditions for effective cooperation between Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) member states in conducting international humanitarian and rescue operations, and also provides for mutual assistance in disaster relief and assistance in facilitating the transit of groups passing through the territories SCO members, and involved in disaster management in SCO countries or other ones.
The agreement defines, inter alia, the principles and forms of cooperation in this regard, as well as procedures governing the preparation and conduct of rescue operations. It also specifies the regime applicable to border crossings of SCO member states by groups providing disaster relief, as well as regulates the stay of such groups in a given country.