Ishaq Dar Reaffirms Pakistan’s Commitment to Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Objectives

ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar met with Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Secretary-General Nurlan Yermekbayev on Wednesday, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to supporting the organization’s goals and strengthening cooperation among member states.

According to the Foreign Office, the meeting focused on expanding collaboration in key sectors, including economic development, transport, regional connectivity, and broader cooperation within the SCO framework.

Discussions on Regional Cooperation

The two leaders exchanged views on the SCO’s priorities and discussed ways to enhance cooperation among member countries.

They also reviewed regional and international developments and explored opportunities to further strengthen the organization’s role in promoting stability, economic growth, and regional partnerships.

According to the Foreign Office, Secretary-General Nurlan Yermekbayev appreciated Pakistan’s constructive contributions toward promoting regional peace, stability, and cooperation.

Preparations for Upcoming SCO Meetings

During the meeting, the SCO Secretary-General shared proposals aimed at improving the organization’s effectiveness and provided an update on preparations for the upcoming SCO Council of Foreign Ministers Meeting, which is scheduled to take place in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.

Pakistan Reaffirms Support for SCO

Ishaq Dar reiterated Pakistan’s strong commitment to advancing the objectives of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.

He also expressed Pakistan’s readiness to work closely with fellow member states as the country prepares to assume the chairmanship of the SCO Council of Heads of State in September and host the SCO Summit in 2027.

About the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation

Established in 2001, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) initially focused on regional security cooperation but has since expanded its agenda to include trade, economic development, connectivity, and regional collaboration.

The SCO currently has 10 member states:

• Pakistan
• China
• India
• Russia
• Iran
• Kazakhstan
• Kyrgyzstan
• Tajikistan
• Uzbekistan
• Belarus

The organization also includes Afghanistan and Mongolia as observer states.

Pakistan has consistently expressed its support for the SCO’s objectives and continues to participate in initiatives aimed at strengthening regional cooperation, economic integration, and sustainable development among member countries.