SCO Summit: A unique opportunity to foster neighbourhood ties

October 14, 2024 (MLN): Leaders from the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) member states will gather in Islamabad on October 15-16 for the 23rd meeting of the Council of the Heads of Government (CHG), to advance cooperation in the fields of economy, trade, environment, and socio-cultural linkages, as well as to review the Organization's performance.

To facilitate the smooth conduct of the summit, the federal government has announced a three-day public holiday in the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, in his capacity as the current Chair of the CHG, will preside over the meeting.

SCO member States will be represented by the Prime Ministers of China, Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan as well as the First Vice President of Iran and External Affairs Minister of India. Prime Minister of Mongolia (Observer State) and Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Foreign Minister of Turkmenistan (Special Guest) will also participate in the meeting.

That will be the first visit by an Indian Foreign Minister to Pakistan since 2015. India’s External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar will attend in place of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Shehbaz Sharif will also hold important bilateral meetings with visiting Heads of Delegation on the sidelines of the meeting.

The CHG meeting will discuss ongoing cooperation in the fields of economy, trade, environment, socio-cultural linkages and review the performance of the Organization.

The leaders will adopt important organizational decisions to further enhance cooperation among SCO member States and approve the budget of the Organization.

Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal stated that Pakistan hosting the SCO summit is a rare opportunity to showcase the country's development.

The summit will bring opportunities for the business community. Ahsan Iqbal noted that the global community will be focused on Pakistan, with many major countries viewing it with pride.

The minister termed the upcoming visit of the Chinese Premier, “the first in 11 years”, emphasizing its significance for bilateral relations.

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