SCO summit kicks off: PM Shehbaz Sharif delivers keynote speech, China endorsed as next chair

The 23rd Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit kicked off in Islamabad on Wednesday, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif delivering the keynote address at the Jinnah Convention Centre.

The summit, held under tight security, welcomed leaders and representatives from across the region, focusing on strengthening regional cooperation and trade.

Upon his arrival earlier in the day, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was greeted by senior officials before delivering his opening remarks to the SCO Council of Heads of Government, as reported by Express news.

Among the key attendees were Chinese Premier Li Qiang, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, and leaders from Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Iran. India was represented by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, while Mongolia participated as an observer, represented by its Prime Minister.

As the summit progressed, discussions centred on critical regional issues, including trade, security, and cooperation among SCO member states.

These conversations set the stage for the official declaration released after the summit, which confirmed China’s endorsement as the new chair for the 2024-25 term. Additionally, it was agreed that the next summit would take place in Russia.

The summit concluded with the signing of eight key documents, focusing on the organisation’s budget, the operations of the SCO secretariat, and regional counterterrorism efforts.

These agreements underscore the ongoing cooperation among SCO members in vital sectors such as security, trade, and economic development.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired the meeting, attended by leaders from China, Russia, India, Iran, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and other SCO member states.

During the discussions, the leaders reviewed the implementation of decisions made at the previous summit in Astana and reaffirmed their commitment to resolving regional disputes through dialogue and negotiations.

The participants also emphasised the importance of collaboration in various sectors, including politics, security, trade, and investment, while supporting UN General Assembly resolutions promoting peace, harmony, and development.

The summit concluded with a formal luncheon hosted in honour of the visiting delegates, marking the end of a productive gathering focused on strengthening regional ties.

Bilateral Meetings Focus on Trade and Cooperation

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday held bilateral meetings with his counterparts from the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member states who gathered in Islamabad to attend the Heads of Government (CHG) meeting on Wednesday (today).

Shehbaz met Prime Ministers Roman Golovchenko of Belarus, Qohir Rasulzoda of Tajikistan, and Olzhas Bektenov of Kazakhstan, besides Akylbek Japarov, the Cabinet Chairman of Kyrgyzstan, and Rashid Meredov, the Deputy Chairman of the Turkmenistan Cabinet.

During the separate meetings on the sidelines of the SCO-CHG, Prime Minister Shehbaz called for sustained exchanges between the SCO member states to realise the potential of bilateral cooperation in diverse fields, according to a press release issued by the Prime Minister's Office.

The discussions focused on expanding trade, investment, and regional connectivity with these countries.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in his meeting with Belarusian Prime Minister Roman Golovchenko, discussed potential cooperation in the areas of trade, investment, agricultural machinery, and the joint production of tractors.

Shehbaz welcomed the participation of Belarus in the SCO-CHG meeting and reiterated Pakistan's commitment to working closely with Belarus to foster the "Shanghai Spirit."

During meetings with his counterparts from the Central Asian States, topics coming under discussion included the strengthening of cooperation in trade, investment, and regional connectivity between Pakistan and its Central Asian partners.

In the meeting with Rasulzoda, Shehbaz stressed the importance of enhancing bilateral collaboration across all spheres of shared interest, including trade, investment, energy, and regional connectivity.