SCO members praise Pakistan for holding defence and security conference

China, Russia, India and other member countries attend the meeting in Islamabad

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) has appreciated Pakistan for hosting two-day conference on defence and security related matters in Islamabad.

"The 9th Defence and Security Expert Working Group (EWG) meeting of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) was held in Islamabad from 19 to 20 February," the military's media wing, ISPR, said  on Thursday.

The event "first of its kind was part of SCO Defence and Security Cooperation Plan – 2020", attended by delegates from eight countries including seven permanent members and one observer state of the SCO.

The participating countries included China, Russian, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and India whereas Belarus attended the meeting as the observer state.

"The participants appreciated Pakistan for successfully holding the 9th EWG meeting and thanked for the hospitality," the ISPR said.



The forum discussed different aspects of cooperation between the SCO member states and regional security.

The participants also exchanged information and opinions on important issues of mutual interest including joint training and military exercises.

Since becoming an SCO member in 2017, Pakistan has been actively participating at all levels in various moots including foreign affairs, defence, national security, economy and trade, science and technology, youth and women empowerment, tourism and media.