ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called on member nations of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization to collaborate for a well-connected, integrated, and prosperous region. He delivered the national statement during the 23rd meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of Government in Islamabad.
Shehbaz Sharif stressed the need for improved connectivity, poverty reduction, climate action, and increased business cooperation for a brighter future. He highlighted the significance of establishing a strong SCO connectivity framework that would not only enhance regional trade but also support the vision of a connected Euro-Asia.Indian External Affairs Minister arrives to attend SCO Summit
He pointed out that initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative and the International North-South Transport Corridor should be expanded, focusing on developing road, rail, and digital infrastructure. The Prime Minister expressed Pakistan’s readiness to contribute to realizing these ambitious goals and welcomed the decisions to promote energy cooperation and establish an Association of Investors.
Emphasizing the importance of a stable Afghanistan, he stated that such stability is crucial for fully seizing great opportunities. He urged the international community to provide urgent humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan and called on the Afghan interim government to prevent their territory from being used for terrorism against neighboring countries.
The Prime Minister advocated for collective efforts to tackle the root causes of poverty and enhance the quality of life for the region’s people. Describing climate change as an existential threat that crosses borders, Shehbaz Sharif noted that Pakistan is at the forefront of climate-induced disasters. He called for prioritizing environmental cooperation within the SCO to build resilience and ensure a sustainable future for upcoming generations.
He welcomed the recent SCO agreement on environmental protection and encouraged all member states to actively participate in regional and global environmental initiatives. He also expressed interest in organizing simulation exercises with SCO partners to strengthen disaster preparedness across the region.
Discussing financial challenges, Shehbaz Sharif stated that reforming the global financial system and trade policies is vital for promoting development. He supported the creation of an SCO alternative development funding mechanism to revitalize stalled projects.
The Prime Minister urged SCO countries to motivate their private sectors to create a favorable business and investment environment within the region. He noted that the growing agreement among member states to use mutual currencies for transactions is a promising development.
Shehbaz Sharif affirmed that a stronger and more effective SCO is crucial for achieving sustainable development in the region. He described the SCO as a rich tapestry of cultures and the diversity of its people, which forms the core of the organization. He reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to fostering people-to-people connections and cultural exchanges that promote harmony, understanding, and cooperation.
In his opening remarks, the Prime Minister emphasized that this meeting reflects the strength of ties and collaboration among diverse nations, asserting that the SCO has the potential to drive socio-economic development, enhance regional peace and stability, and improve citizens’ quality of life.
