DPM Dar reaffirms Pakistan’s strong commitment to SCO vision of regional cooperation
Gwadar Pro
Islamabad: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar this week reaffirmed Pakistan’s firm commitment to deepening its constructive engagement within the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), stressing the importance of mutual cooperation in critical areas such as trade, transportation, and regional connectivity.
Senator Dar made these remarks during a meeting with SCO Secretary General Nurlan Yermekbayev, who is currently visiting Pakistan in his official capacity.
The Deputy Prime Minister warmly congratulated Mr. Yermekbayev on the assumption of his new responsibilities and assured him of Pakistan’s unwavering support for the SCO Secretariat in advancing the organization’s objectives.
Highlighting Pakistan’s long-standing and cordial relations with SCO member states, Dar reiterated Islamabad’s dedication to upholding the “Shanghai spirit”—a guiding principle of the organization centered on mutual trust, shared development, and collective regional progress. He praised the SCO as a vital platform for fostering regional peace and stability, while also unlocking new opportunities for economic development among member countries.
The Deputy Prime Minister underscored Pakistan’s proactive participation in SCO initiatives and expressed readiness to continue contributing meaningfully to SCO-led mechanisms, particularly in expanding bilateral trade, enhancing transport infrastructure, and improving cross-border connectivity.
Secretary General Yermekbayev, in response, extended his gratitude to Pakistan for its warm hospitality and acknowledged the country’s dynamic role in promoting SCO’s agenda. He especially lauded Pakistan’s successful hosting of the Council of Heads of Government meeting in Islamabad in October 2024, describing it as a testament to Pakistan’s commitment to the organization.
The two leaders engaged in comprehensive discussions on the future direction of the SCO, identifying key areas for enhanced collaboration. These included transportation and logistics, energy and food security, public health, digital commerce, and the promotion of sustainable practices through green economic policies.
The SCO, a ten-member intergovernmental alliance founded on June 15, 2001, serves as a vital trans-regional organization dedicated to promoting security, economic cooperation, and political coordination.
Pakistan joined the SCO as an observer in 2005 and attained full membership in 2017. Since then, Pakistan has consistently advocated for regional peace, stability, and inclusive economic development through the SCO’s multidimensional platform.
