ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch announced on Tuesday that leaders from 12 countries will convene on Wednesday for the 23rd Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, hosted by Pakistan.
Key topics for discussion will include climate change, regional security, connectivity, economic growth, and poverty alleviation.
During a media briefing at the SCO Media Facilitation Center at the Pak-China Friendship Centre, Baloch noted that the leaders would draft and announce a unanimous declaration at the conclusion of the conference.
She highlighted that the summit, which includes heads of state and senior officials from 10 countries, along with one observer and one guest country, does not have a separate agenda. As the second-largest forum in the world, this gathering presents a significant opportunity for SCO member states to collaboratively address regional issues.
Baloch welcomed the arrival of India’s External Affairs Minister, describing it as a testament to the importance of the SCO and emphasizing the summit’s role as a vital platform for discussing current challenges.
“While our focus is on achieving consensus during SCO 2024, we recognize that the agenda is inherently multilateral, providing ample opportunities for addressing regional matters,” she stated.
In response to queries, Baloch clarified that there is no political agenda at the summit, as the SCO operates on a consensus basis. She also confirmed that issues related to Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and Palestine are not part of the SCO agenda.
