Pakistan gears up for SCO chairmanship

FM Dar says ready to advance grouping's goals

ISLAMABAD:

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Wednesday reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to advancing the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation's (SCO) objectives as the country prepares to assume the chairmanship of the SCO Council of Heads of State later this year.

Dar made the remarks during a meeting in Islamabad with SCO Secretary General Nurlan Yermekbayev, the Foreign Office (FO) said on X.

According to the statement, the two sides held a "productive exchange" on the organisation's priorities and discussed ways to strengthen cooperation among member states in key areas, including the economy, transport and connectivity. They also exchanged views on regional and international developments.

The Foreign Office said Yermekbayev commended Pakistan's "constructive contributions to promoting regional peace, stability and cooperation". He also shared proposals for enhancing the SCO's effectiveness and efficiency and briefed Dar on preparations for the upcoming SCO Council of Foreign Ministers meeting in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.

Dar reaffirmed Pakistan's "strong commitment to advancing the SCO's objectives" and expressed the country's readiness "to work closely with all member states" ahead of assuming the chairmanship of the SCO Council of Heads of State in September.

Outlining Islamabad's priorities, Dar has previously said Pakistan would pursue a practical and forward-looking agenda focused on strengthening economic cooperation, improving regional connectivity and expanding engagement among SCO member states.

Dar has also highlighted Pakistan's role as the permanent chair of the SCO Working Group on Poverty Alleviation, describing it as an important platform for improving living standards across member states.