ISLAMABAD: The regional leaders participated at the 23rd summit of the Council of Heads of Government of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in Islamabad emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts to tap into the region’s trade and connectivity potential.
The annual meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, included addresses from various leaders, such as Chinese Premier Li Qiang, Belarus Prime Minister Roman Golovchenko, Kazakhstan Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, Tajik Prime Minister Kohir Rasulzoda, Uzbek Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov, Kyrgyzstan’s Chairman of the Ministers’ Cabinet Zhaparov Akylbek, Iranian Trade Minister Seyyed Mohammad Atabek, and Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar. Mongolia’s Prime Minister Oyun-Erdene Luvsannamsrai and Turkmenistan’s Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Rashid Meredov also addressed the summit.
In his address, Premier Li Qiang advocated for deepening and expanding cooperation within the SCO. He called on member states to strengthen strategic alignment, address major risks, and enhance personnel exchanges.
Russian Prime Minister Mishustin urged the removal of barriers to increase the use of national currencies in mutual settlements among SCO countries. He proposed holding a Startup Forum next year to share best practices in innovation and foster joint projects.
Uzbek Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov highlighted his country’s commitment to enhancing cooperation among member states. He emphasized the need for measures to promote trade, such as simplifying procedures, eliminating trade barriers, and advancing collaboration in digital technology and industrial sectors to boost regional connectivity.
Tajikistan’s Prime Minister Kohir Rasulzoda stressed the importance of joint efforts for peace and economic development, advocating for increased investment in the industrial sector.
Turkmen Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov reiterated Turkmenistan’s commitment to expanding cooperation in trade, energy, and connectivity projects, noting the high prospects for such initiatives.
Indian External Affairs Minister Jaishankar pointed to various global challenges, including the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the Israel-Palestine situation, the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, and disruptions from extreme climate events. He highlighted how these challenges, along with the need for rebalancing globalization, create new opportunities for trade, investment, and collaboration within the SCO region.
SCO Secretary-General Zhang Ming underscored the need for enhanced collaboration among member states for regional peace and prosperity. He announced that 2025 will be designated as the “Year of Sustainable Development” and urged member states to capitalize on their connectivity potential while overcoming challenges in trade and investment.
