Russia wants Nawaz to attend SCO summit

Premier deputes Sartaj Aziz for Bishkek meeting.


Kamran Yousaf September 01, 2013
It is important that Nawaz attends the SCO since his govt was seeking to reach out to regional countries for cooperation, says Russian diplomat. PHOTO: AFP/FILE

ISLAMABAD:


Russia has invited Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to attend the forthcoming summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) against the backdrop of rapidly changing developments in the Middle East and Afghanistan, according to diplomatic officials.


Pakistan, which has an observer status at the SCO, a key regional security organisation, is sending the Prime Minister’s Adviser on National Security and Foreign Affairs, Sartaj Aziz, to take part in the summit.

However, in view of the likely military strike against Syria as well as the US drawdown in Afghanistan next year, Moscow is pushing Islamabad to send Prime Minister Nawaz, officials told The Express Tribune.

On Friday, Pakistan and Russia wrapped up their first strategic dialogue with a commitment to remaining engaged and maintaining the momentum in the relationship.

“Both sides noted with satisfaction the growing understanding between the two countries and discussed in detail the state of bilateral relations,” concluded a statement by the Foreign Office.

On the September 13 SCO summit in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, Russian President Vladimir Putin, the new Chinese President Xi Jinping as well as Iranian President Hassan Rouhani will take part.



They are expected to discuss the recent Syrian crisis and the Afghanistan endgame. Both Russia, China – permanent members with veto powers at the UN Security Council – are opposing military action against Syria over its alleged use of chemical weapons against the rebel strongholds.

Officials said the SCO summit could provide an opportunity for the new Pakistani prime minister to interact with heads of states present on key regional and international issues.

“Russia is quite keen to understand the new Pakistani government’s perspective on important issues,” said a Russian diplomat, on the condition of anonymity.

The diplomat said it is important that Prime Minister Sharif attends the SCO since his government was seeking to reach out to regional countries for cooperation.

However, it is not clear whether the premier will travel to Bishkek.

Foreign office officials said the prime minister had no such plans yet, although he could go to SCO summit before travelling to Turkey on September 16. After his Turkey visit, he will go to New York for the UN General Assembly session.

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) is a Eurasian security organisation established in 2001 in Shanghai by the leaders of China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

Currently, Afghanistan, India, Iran, Mongolia and Pakistan have been given observer status, while Belarus, Sri Lanka and Turkey have been made dialogue partners.

Both China and Russia have endorsed the full membership of India and Pakistan.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 2nd, 2013.

COMMENTS (37)

Pradhan | 11 years ago | Reply I won't go so far and call India a super power. I don't understand why would Gp65 would say something like that. I have known her to be quite rational in her point of views. anyways.. Having said that it is also true that any country in the world who Ignore India is a fool or Pakistan. All those Pakistani who are so happy about being called by SCO members should also know that India will never be part of SCO no matter what. India's foreign policy is non alliance. India's identity doesn't depend on whose friend they are and whose friend they are not. Only slaves and countries without hope do find pride in being friend of some stronger country. They are like parasites. By the way someone said India was not invited. Sir, get you fact checked.
Pradhan | 11 years ago | Reply @SRB AIG: Your ignorance is laughable but I don't want to insult you so, here below is the link http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indo-Pakistani_War_of_1965 Go visit this place and you will know about 1965 war. I know it is contrary to Pakistan's popular believe but truth is always better than propaganda. About 1961 war, You should know it is china who announced siege fire, we did not surrender like cowards. I think that's enough for you.
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