Joint declaration opposes sanctions

ISLAMABAD:

The 10-nation Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) on Wednesday expressed concerns over reduced investment and disrupted supply chains caused by "protectionist measures and trade barriers", and hit out at the "unilateral sanctions and trade restrictions".

The joint declaration, issued at the conclusion of the two-day SCO Council of Heads of Government (CHG) meeting, stated that the delegations, including seven prime ministers, emphasised the need for a multilateral trading system to support sustainable global development.

The Joint Communique, adopted by the 23rd meeting of the SCO-CHG in Islamabad, further stated that the leaders stressed the importance of implementing the concept of cooperation in the development of the "New Economic Dialogue" among the member states.

The SCO-CHG was held at the Jinnah Convention Centre with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in the chair. The gathering saw a galaxy of regional leaders in attendance to discuss multi-sectoral cooperation. They adopted important organisational decisions for mutual cooperation and approved the SCO budget.

The meeting was attended by Prime Ministers Li Qiang of China, MV Mishustin of Russia, RA Golovchenko of Belarus, OA Bektenov of Kazakhstan, AU Zhaparov of Kyrgyz Republic, Kokhir Rasulzoda of Tajikistan, AN Aripov of Uzbekistan, besides India Foreign Minister S Jaishankar and Iranian Industry Minister Seyed Mohammad Atabak.

Mongolia participated in the summit as an observer state, being represented by Prime Minister Oyun-Erdene Luvsannamsrai and Turkmenistan attended as a special guest, represented by Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Rashid Meredov.

Other dignitaries attending the summit included SCO Secretary-General Zhang Ming, Director of Executive Committee SCO Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) Ruslan Mirzayev, SCO Business Council Board chief Atif Ikram Shaikh and head of the Council of SCO Interbank Union Marat Yelibayev.

The summit reaffirmed the desire to ensure stable economic and social development in the SCO region. It noted the importance of implementing the SCO Economic Development Strategy for the period up to 2030 and the Programme of Multilateral Trade and Economic Cooperation of the member states.

The member countries reaffirmed their commitment to peacefully resolving disputes through dialogue and emphasised the importance of mutual cooperation to build a prosperous, peaceful, safe, and ecologically-sustainable planet.

"The Heads of Delegation noted the tectonic shifts in the global economy, characterized by rapid advancements and interconnectivity in the areas of information technology, digitalization, artificial intelligence, virtual/digital assets, e-commerce, etc," the joint communique said.

"They expressed concern over the exacerbation of various challenges that have led to reduced investment flows, disrupted supply chains and uncertainty in global financial markets as a result of protectionist measures and other impediments to international trade," it added.

"The Heads of Delegation consider it important to continue joint efforts to counter protectionist trade measures that are contrary to WTO [World Trade Organisation] rules and regulations, as well as to continue working on strengthening the rules-based WTO, non-discriminatory, open, equitable, inclusive and transparent multilateral trading system, based on the WTO."

The leaders attending the summit also opposed protectionist actions, unilateral sanctions and trade restrictions that undermined the multilateral trading system and impeded global sustainable development, the joint communique said.

"The heads of delegations emphasised that the unilateral application of sanctions is incompatible with the principles of international law and has a negative impact on third countries and international economic relations," it added.

Belarus, Iran, Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, while reaffirming support for China's One Belt, One Road (OBOR) initiative, noted ongoing work on joint implementation of the project, including efforts to bridge the Eurasian Economic Union and OBOR.

The summit called for leveraging the potential of the countries of the region, international organisations and multilateral associations to create in the SCO region a space of broad, open and equal interaction in accordance with the norms of international law, mutual respect and consideration of national interests.

"They noted the proposal to create a Greater Eurasian Partnership with the participation of the SCO, Eurasian Economic Union, Association of Southeast Asian Nations, as well as other interested states and multilateral associations," the communiqué stated.

The summit meeting advocated respect for the right of peoples to independently and democratically choose their political, social and economic development, emphasising the principles of mutual respect for the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of states.

The summit called for non-interference in internal affairs of any country, non-use of force or threat of use of force as the basis for sustainable international relations and reaffirmed commitment to the peaceful settlement of differences and disputes between countries through dialogue and consultations.

"The heads of delegations, noting the presence of significant potential and opportunities for further building up trade and economic ties, stressed the importance of implementing the Concept of Cooperation in the Development of the 'New Economic Dialogue' between the SCO member states."

The summit emphasised that technology should benefit everyone. "It is necessary to effectively utilise the digital economy and scientific and technological innovations in order to give a new impetus to economic development and progress in the SCO space," the communiqué stated.

The members called for deepening cooperation in the field of information security and advocated exploring the creation of a mechanism for cross-border data exchange and the development of e-government, electronic payment systems, e-commerce and other areas of digital business.

They emphasised the need to continue practical interaction under the memorandum of understanding on promoting SCO cooperation in micro, small and medium enterprises. They emphasised the need to continue cooperation in the energy sector.

They highlighted the proposals for the establishment of an independent settlement-clearing mechanism, as well as for the convergence of payment systems by interested member states. They advocated the creation of efficient transport corridors to enhance interconnectivity.

The heads of delegations spoke in favour of increasing cooperation in the field of environmental protection, including biodiversity conservation and waste management. They appreciated environmental actions and events within the framework of the SCO.

The heads of delegation expressed their gratitude to Pakistan for the successful organisation of the 23rd CHG, which was "held in a constructive and friendly atmosphere". The next CHG meeting will be held in 2025 in the Russian Federation, the communiqué concluded.

Later, speaking a joint press conference with SCO Secretary General of Zhang Ming, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said that the joint communiqué was a comprehensive document, covering several areas of collaboration.

He said that the CHG meeting adopted a number of decisions and documents to guide the future of organisation with enhanced role in regional connectivity. He added that Pakistan as chair of conference made every effort to identify the areas of further collaboration among the member countries.

"The joint communique just signed by the leaders is a comprehensive document covering economy, trade, industry, investment, climate change, public health, culture, poverty elimination, women etc," Dar said. "The heads of government resolved to strengthen their commitment to SCO objectives."

The foreign minister told the journalists that the heads of delegation considered it important to continue joint efforts to counter protectionist trade measures that were contrary to the World Trade Organization (WTO) rules and regulations.

Secretary General Zhang, in his remarks, congratulated Pakistan for making "tremendous efforts" for hosting such a high-level meeting. He said the meeting focused on practical cooperation regarding the implementation of the outcome of the previous meetings.

Ming said that the meeting also discussed moderation and reforms of the SCO to make it more efficient, operational and vibrant. The meeting also discussed the internal functioning of the SCO, budget and the number of its members, besides exchanged views on the global and regional issues.

 

(WITH INPUT FROM APP)