Islamabad: Pakistan is ready to host the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) heads of government meeting scheduled for the 15th to 16th of this month, the Foreign Office announced today. The meeting, to be presided over by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, aims to bolster cooperation across various sectors including economy, trade, and environmental initiatives.

According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch confirmed the details during a weekly news briefing in Islamabad. Baloch emphasized that the government has taken comprehensive measures to ensure the safety and security of all attendees. The meeting will also serve as a platform to review the performance of the organization and enhance social and cultural linkages among member countries.

The spokesperson additionally confirmed Pakistan’s receipt of intimation regarding the participation of the Indian external affairs minister at the SCO meeting. This participation is seen as a significant development given the complex dynamics between the two nations.

In a related development, Baloch mentioned that a high-level Saudi delegation, led by Minister for Investment Engineer Khalid Bin Abdul Aziz Al Falih, will visit Pakistan for three days starting Wednesday. The delegation, which includes representatives from various Saudi government agencies and private sector entities, aims to discuss avenues of increased bilateral cooperation and economic partnership. Meetings are scheduled with both President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during the visit.

This series of meetings highlights Pakistan’s active role on the international stage, particularly in fostering regional cooperation and securing economic partnerships.