ISLAMABAD: Geo-strategic location of Pakistan has offered an ideal trade and transit hub for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) region, said Ishfaq Dar, the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan.
He was addressing the SCO Council of Foreign Ministers meeting in Astana, Kazakhstan.
Ishfaq Dar highlighted the significance of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) for regional connectivity and economic integration.
He reiterated Pakistan’s firm adherence to the SCO Charter and explained its priorities as Chair of SCO Council of Heads of Government including promotion of connectivity, transport links, youth empowerment, poverty alleviation, and enhanced practical cooperation among SCO states.
Ishaq Dar called for upholding international law and the UN Charter with special emphasis on peaceful settlement of longstanding disputes in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions. He warned against bloc-based and confrontational geo-politics and advocated for a multipolar world grounded in multilateralism.
The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized combating terrorism through collective and cooperative approaches by addressing its root causes and urged rejection of myopic and self-serving interests to use the mantra of terrorism for political gains.
Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s firm call for an unconditional and urgent ceasefire in Gaza and unhindered provision of humanitarian assistance.
He also emphasized the need to realize two-State solution for durable peace and stability. Dar reiterated Pakistan’s firm adherence to the SCO Charter and the “Shanghai Spirit” standing for mutual trust and respect for shared prosperity.
In his statement, the deputy prime minister warned against bloc-based or confrontational geopolitics and advocated for a multipolar world firmly grounded in multilateralism.
He explained Pakistan’s priorities as current Chair of SCO Council of Heads of Government (CHG) which included promoting connectivity, transport links, youth empowerment, poverty alleviation, and enhanced practical cooperation among SCO member states.
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