Pakistan will work closely with members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) to maintain regional peace and fight terrorism, President Asif Ali Zardari said on Wednesday.
Addressing the SCO summit marking its 10th anniversary in the capital of Kazakhstan, President Zardari said: “Pakistan looks forward to working with the SCO countries for achieving shared prosperity and peace.” He said Pakistan has made great sacrifices in its fight against terrorism and militancy, which poses common threats to the region.
President Zardari said, “Pakistan is committed to combating terrorism, extremism and separatism.” He added that drug trafficking and production is not only harming people but also fuelling militancy and terrorism. “These are serious threats to the security and well-being of our societies,” he said.
At present, SCO has six members – China, Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan – and four observer states – Pakistan, India, Iran and Mongolia.
In his address, President Zardari hoped Pakistan’s application for full membership will be processed expeditiously. “Pakistan intends to fully associate with all SCO programmes for peace and development. Pakistan, Zardari said, wishes to “enhance cooperation with countries of the region in financial and banking sectors and is interested in launching joint ventures in energy, infrastructure and education, scientific and technological development programmes”.
The president praised SCO for making significant contributions towards peace and development of the region during the last decade.
He also expressed his pleasure over Afghanistan deciding to seek an observer status with SCO.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 16th, 2011.
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