Bishkek, the Foreign Minister of Pakistan, H.E. Mr. Jalil Abbas Jilani, accentuated Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening regional ties and furthering the objectives of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). This comes as Pakistan is set to assume the Chair of the SCO Council of Heads of Government (CHG) and has laid out its focus areas for the upcoming tenure.
According to a news release by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Jilani extended his gratitude to the Prime Minister of the Kyrgyz Republic, H.E. Akylbek Japarov, for his hospitality. He acknowledged the significant progress achieved by the SCO Council of Heads of Government under the Kyrgyz Republic’s leadership in 2022-23.
Mr. Jilani stressed the importance of the “Shanghai Spirit” and noted that it drives the collective aspirations of SCO member states, which represent over 40% of the global population. With Pakistan’s chairmanship, the Foreign Minister underscored a commitment to foster cooperation in areas of regional significance, including enhanced connectivity, youth empowerment, and investment in sectors like agriculture, energy, and information technology.
In advancing the vision of Eurasian connectivity, Mr. Jilani highlighted the strategic position of Pakistan, which connects South Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) was cited as a pivotal initiative to boost regional connectivity, opening opportunities for all SCO member states to invest in a shared future.
To further the goals of the organization, Pakistan proposed hosting various conferences, including one focused on “Transport Connectivity for Regional Prosperity” and another on “Youth Empowerment through Digital Economy.” The Foreign Minister also emphasized the role of the SCO Business Council and SCO Interbank Association in fostering economic collaboration.
Mr. Jilani highlighted the need to ensure stability in Afghanistan for regional peace and proposed that the SCO-Afghanistan Contact Group could assist Afghan authorities in their endeavors. He also highlighted the pressing issue of climate-induced disasters, emphasizing Pakistan’s commitment to sustainability and proposing a meeting on “Prevention and Response to Emergency Situations.”
In his concluding remarks, Mr. Jilani reiterated Pakistan’s dedication to the Shanghai Spirit and the objectives of the SCO. He expressed hope for a collaborative approach from all member states to harness the regional potential for peace, prosperity, stability, and connectivity.