Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called on the member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) to enhance cooperation and connectivity to foster a well-integrated and prosperous region. He highlighted the importance of various initiatives, including the Belt and Road Initiative and the International North-South Transport Corridor, to achieve these goals.

According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Prime Minister Sharif delivered these remarks at the 23rd meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of Government held in Islamabad. He emphasized the need for a robust connectivity framework within the SCO to not only boost regional trade but to advance a vision of a connected Euro-Asia.

Prime Minister Sharif also discussed the importance of addressing the financial challenges and poverty in the region. He endorsed the Strategy for the Development of Energy Cooperation-2030 and the establishment of an Association of Investors, affirming Pakistan’s readiness to contribute to these initiatives.

On Afghanistan, the Prime Minister highlighted the critical need for a stable country to realize the region’s potential fully. He urged the international community to provide urgent humanitarian support and called on the Afghan interim government to prevent the use of its territory for terrorist activities against neighboring countries.

Furthermore, Shehbaz Sharif addressed the existential crisis posed by climate change, advocating for enhanced environmental cooperation within the SCO to build resilience and secure a sustainable future. He welcomed the SCO agreement on environmental protection and encouraged member states to participate actively in regional and global environmental efforts.

The Prime Minister also supported the establishment of an SCO alternative development funding mechanism to revive stalled projects and urged SCO states to encourage their private sectors to foster a business-friendly environment within the region.

In his opening remarks, Prime Minister Sharif described the SCO as a vital platform that can drive socio-economic progress, enhance regional peace and stability, and improve the quality of life for its citizens. He reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to fostering people-to-people ties and cultural exchanges within the SCO framework, highlighting the organization’s role in promoting harmony and cooperation among its diverse member states.