Pakistan Reaffirms SCO Commitment During Meeting with Secretary General
Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, met with the Secretary General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), Nurlan Yermekbayev, on Wednesday. The meeting, as stated by the Foreign Office (FO), saw Dar reaffirm Pakistan's dedication to furthering the SCO's objectives. During their "productive exchange," they discussed SCO priorities and methods to enhance cooperation among member states in critical sectors such as economy, transport, and connectivity. Both officials also shared perspectives on regional and international developments. The SCO Secretary General acknowledged Pakistan's valuable contributions to regional peace and stability. He also presented his ideas for improving the SCO's effectiveness and informed DPM Dar about the preparations for the upcoming SCO Council of Foreign Ministers Meeting in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. Dar reiterated Pakistan's strong commitment to the SCO's goals and expressed willingness to collaborate with all member states, especially as Pakistan prepares to assume the chairmanship of the SCO Council of Heads of State in September and host the SCO summit in 2027. The SCO, initially established in 2001 as a security group, has expanded to become a platform for regional trade and economic development, currently including ten member states and two observer states.
This meeting highlights Pakistan's strategic engagement with the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, an increasingly influential regional bloc. Pakistan's reaffirmation of commitment, particularly in the context of its upcoming chairmanship and hosting duties, signals a desire to leverage the SCO for its economic and connectivity objectives. The discussion on expanding cooperation beyond security to economic and transport sectors reflects the evolving nature of the SCO. As the organization grows in scope, member states face the challenge of balancing diverse national interests within a cooperative framework, particularly concerning economic development and regional stability. The emphasis on countering terrorism, organized crime, and cybercrime underscores the persistent security concerns that continue to shape the SCO's agenda, alongside its economic aspirations.
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