ISLAMABAD: The twenty-third meeting of the Council of Heads of Government (CHG) of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) begins on Tuesday. This meeting will gather regional leaders to enhance collaboration in trade, economy, and cultural linkages. Delegates from participating countries have already started arriving in Islamabad.
The city has undergone a transformation to welcome the dignitaries. Colorful lights, floral decorations, and flags from SCO member states adorn the streets. Major intersections feature LED display screens, which are beautifully illuminated with lights and murals, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Landmarks across the city are also brightly lit with Pakistani flags. This creates unique photo opportunities for citizens and provides content for social media. The city’s vibrant decoration reflects Pakistan’s hospitality and readiness to host the summit.
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Chinese Premier Arrives
Li Qiang, the Premier of the State Council of China, has arrived in Islamabad with a high-level delegation. He will attend the meeting and engage in discussions with Pakistan’s civil and military leadership. His presence highlights the importance of China’s role within the SCO framework.
The two-day SCO CHG meeting will be chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the current chair of the Council. This forum serves as the second highest within the SCO, making it crucial for regional cooperation.
Pakistan assumed the rotating chair of the SCO CHG for 2023-24 during the previous meeting held in Bishkek on October 26, 2023. At that time, the country was represented by then-interim Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani. The recent leadership transition underlines Pakistan’s commitment to fostering regional ties and addressing shared challenges.
Leaders from various SCO member states will attend the summit, including:
- Li Qiang, Premier of the State Council of China
- Roman Golovchenko, Prime Minister of Belarus
- Olzhas Bektenov, Prime Minister of Kazakhstan
- Mikhail Mishustin, Prime Minister of Russia
- Kohir Rasulzoda, Prime Minister of Tajikistan
- Abdulla Aripov, Prime Minister of Uzbekistan
- Zhaparov Akylbek, Chairman of Kyrgyzstan’s Ministers’ Cabinet
- Mohammad Reza Aref, First Vice President of Iran
- Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Indian External Affairs Minister
The agenda of the meeting focuses on strengthening ties among member states. Discussions will revolve around trade agreements, economic cooperation, and cultural exchanges. Leaders aim to identify common challenges and develop joint strategies to address them.
This meeting is significant not only for Pakistan but for all SCO member states. It reflects the growing importance of regional cooperation in addressing global challenges. With the backdrop of a decorated Islamabad, the meeting promises to foster dialogue and collaboration among key regional players.
As the summit approaches, anticipation builds for productive discussions and outcomes that will shape the future of the SCO and its member states.
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