The 23rd Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, held in Islamabad, concluded on Wednesday with the signing of eight significant agreements. These agreements focused on critical areas such as the SCO’s budget, the operations of its secretariat, and regional counterterrorism efforts. The summit highlighted the organisation’s commitment to cooperation in security, trade, and economic development.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired the summit, where leaders from member states reaffirmed their dedication to promoting regional peace, political stability, and socio-economic cooperation. Discussions also emphasised the importance of collaboration in science, technology, digital economy, and information security.
The summit participants expressed their support for UN General Assembly resolutions aimed at global peace and development. This further underscored the SCO’s goal of strengthening international ties and advancing economic progress.
The summit began earlier in the day at Islamabad’s Jinnah Convention Centre, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif delivering the keynote address. The event, held under tight security, welcomed leaders and representatives from across the region to discuss the pressing issues of regional cooperation and trade.
Key Leaders
Chinese Premier Li Qiang, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, and other key leaders from Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Iran attended the summit. India was represented by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, while Mongolia participated as an observer, with its Prime Minister present.
Throughout the summit, discussions focused on vital regional matters such as security, trade, and cooperation among SCO member states. These talks culminated in an official declaration confirming China’s endorsement as the new chair for the 2024-25 term. Additionally, it was agreed that the next SCO summit would be held in Russia.
The eight key agreements signed during the summit reflect the organisation’s ongoing efforts to enhance regional security, promote economic development, and strengthen cooperation among member states. The agreements, which focus on the SCO’s operational budget and regional counterterrorism measures, highlight the importance of unity among the members.
In his closing remarks, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed optimism about the future of the SCO and its potential to drive regional prosperity. The meeting served as a platform for the leaders to review the implementation of decisions made at the previous summit in Astana. They reaffirmed their commitment to resolving regional disputes through dialogue and negotiations.
The summit concluded with a formal luncheon hosted in honour of the visiting delegates, marking the end of a productive gathering focused on fostering regional ties.
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Bilateral Meetings Focus on Trade and Cooperation
On the sidelines of the summit, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held bilateral meetings with several leaders from SCO member states. He met with Belarusian Prime Minister Roman Golovchenko, Tajikistan’s Prime Minister Qohir Rasulzoda, and Kazakhstan’s Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov, among others.
During these meetings, Prime Minister Shehbaz called for sustained exchanges between the SCO member states to explore the full potential of bilateral cooperation. Discussions focused on expanding trade, investment, and regional connectivity. In his meeting with Belarusian Prime Minister Golovchenko, Shehbaz discussed potential collaborations in trade, investment, and agricultural machinery.
Shehbaz Sharif also met with leaders from Central Asian countries, stressing the importance of strengthening ties in areas such as trade, investment, energy, and connectivity. He reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to working closely with its Central Asian partners to foster greater regional collaboration.
These bilateral meetings underscored the SCO’s mission to enhance cooperation and strengthen economic ties between its member states.
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