ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday welcomed the “esteemed guests at the 23rd Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit.”
In his inaugral address at the plenary session of the Summit, he said “it was an honor for me to preside over the summit” and extended a warm welcome to the participating leaders.
He highlighted that SCO member states represented 40 per cent of the world’s population and emphasised that the summit offered a significant opportunity to enhance regional cooperation.
Prime Minister Shehbaz expressed his desire for meaningful discussions and outcomes, stressing the importance of providing better living standards and facilities for people.
He noted that promoting regional cooperation and connectivity was essential for sustainable development and that all countries could work together to improve the regional economy.
Prime Minister Shehbaz said that “the global scenario is changing. The current situation calls for collective action. Pakistan is committed to regional development, stability and connectivity.”
“We have to move forward through collective efforts,” he added.
The prime minister stressed on “more attention to the sectors like tourism and green development. Efforts are necessary to increase trade links. The SCO states have to consider a new strategy for economic cooperation. The region has many opportunities for cooperation in the transport and energy sectors.”
Prime Minister Shehbaz identified Afghanistan as “a very important country for regional development and stability.”
He stressed on the international community to focus on humanitarian aid to Afghan people. He said Pakistan wanted peace in Afghanistan.
“The use of Afghan land for terrorism must be stopped,” he continued.
He expressed confidence that the fruitful discussions at the summit would yield lasting benefits for the region’s populace.
He confirmed that the participating leaders approved the agenda for the meeting.
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