ISLAMABAD: The two-day Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit begins today (Tuesday) in the federal capital, Islamabad, under tight security.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will preside over the meeting, while the SCO member states will be represented by the Prime Ministers of Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, as well as the First Vice President of Iran and the External Affairs Minister of India.
Premier Li Qiang of the State Council of China will represent his country.
The Prime Minister of Mongolia, as an Observer State, and the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Foreign Minister of Turkmenistan, as a Special Guest, will also participate in the meeting.
The SCO Council of Heads of Government will discuss ongoing cooperation in the fields of economy, trade, environment, and socio-cultural linkages, and review the organization’s performance.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is also scheduled to hold important bilateral meetings with visiting heads of delegations on the sidelines of the Summit.
The SCO Summit is expected to serve as a key platform for fostering regional cooperation, boosting trade and investment, and enhancing socio-economic and cultural ties among member states.
Diplomatic and political experts believe that this significant meeting of the heads of government from SCO member states will not only foster collaborative efforts to address pressing regional issues but also elevate Pakistan’s standing on the global stage as a leader.
The SCO, comprising member states that account for approximately 40 percent of the global population and 32 percent of the world’s GDP, provides Pakistan with an excellent opportunity to shape its economic and investment future.
The roots of the SCO trace back to the Shanghai Five, established in 1996, evolving significantly after Uzbekistan joined in 2001. More recently, Pakistan became a full member in 2017, following its successful role as an observer from 2015 to 2017.
Experts highlight that the collective strength of the SCO can be harnessed through collaborative initiatives aimed at promoting regional cooperation and deepening economic partnerships, which are vital for the shared prosperity of the people across SCO states.
They further noted that Pakistan’s significance in the region has grown since the launch of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), making the country an attractive destination for investment.
For Pakistan, fostering an environment of open dialogue and cooperation is essential to addressing key challenges, including trade barriers. Experts expressed hope that Pakistan will effectively present its stance on regional issues during the summit.
They also emphasized that the SCO summit represents a pivotal moment for regional diplomacy and the advancement of economic cooperation, with the potential to positively impact not only Pakistan but also the broader region.
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