ISLAMABAD: Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin and Iranian Minister for Industry and Trade Syed Mohammad Atabek arrived in Pakistan on Tuesday to attend the 23rd meeting of the Council of Heads of Government (CHG) of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). Their presence underscores the significance of the high-profile event.
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif warmly received Prime Minister Mishustin at Noor Khan Airbase. A red carpet welcomed the Russian delegation. Children dressed in traditional attire presented bouquets to the Russian officials, highlighting the close ties between Russia and Pakistan.
Similarly, Additional Foreign Secretary for Afghanistan and West Asia, Ahmed Naseem Warriach, along with the Iranian Ambassador to Pakistan, Dr. Raza Amiri Mughdam, welcomed Iranian Minister Syed Mohammad Atabek at Noor Khan Airbase. Children in traditional clothing greeted the Iranian delegation with flowers, symbolizing Pakistan’s focus on fostering relations with its neighbors.
Rotating Chairmanship
The SCO summit, chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, will span two days. Pakistan holds the rotating chairmanship of the SCO for 2023-2024. This platform is viewed as vital for advancing regional cooperation, trade, and security discussions among member states.
As the host, Pakistan aims to strengthen its ties with key regional players through this summit. The event will feature discussions on various issues, including trade, economic partnerships, and security concerns across the region.
The Russian and Iranian delegations’ arrival comes at a time when both countries seek to enhance their regional influence. Russia and Iran view the SCO as a critical forum for diplomacy and engagement with neighboring countries, including Pakistan.
The SCO, founded in 2001, focuses on promoting security, political cooperation, and economic development among its members. The CHG meeting is one of its most important gatherings, where prime ministers and senior officials engage in high-level discussions.
Pakistan, holding the chairmanship, is eager to showcase its leadership role in the region. The country’s focus on boosting trade and regional cooperation will be a key theme during the summit.
The summit brings together eight member states, including China, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Pakistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. These countries work together on security, economic, and cultural projects, fostering deeper collaboration across Asia.
Important Roles
Both Russia and Iran play important roles within the SCO. Russia, as a founding member, has a strong influence on the group’s strategic direction. Iran, though not yet a full member, actively participates in SCO events and seeks to enhance its status within the organization.
The welcoming ceremony at Noor Khan Airbase highlights Pakistan’s commitment to fostering strong bilateral relations with both Russia and Iran. The red-carpet treatment and traditional gestures of hospitality reflect the importance Pakistan places on its ties with these nations.
As the summit progresses, discussions are expected to focus on regional security, trade agreements, and strategies to counter terrorism. Pakistan, as the host, aims to leverage its position to promote greater economic cooperation and security partnerships with its SCO counterparts.
The outcome of the summit will likely influence regional dynamics, particularly in terms of trade, connectivity, and collective security measures.
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