ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar said on Wednesday that the recent meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (CHG-SCO) resulted in several key decisions and documents aimed at enhancing regional connectivity, trade, investment, and economic prosperity.
At a press conference marking the conclusion of the two-day summit, alongside SCO Secretary-General Zhang Ming, Dar expressed pride in Pakistan’s role as host for the 23rd CHG-SCO meeting. He thanked the leaders of member states for their constructive contributions.
Dar highlighted Pakistan’s efforts during its chairmanship to identify areas for collaboration, including enhanced connectivity, poverty alleviation, and climate change initiatives. He said that Pakistan’s ongoing cooperation with member countries led to the approval of several cooperative areas, such as economic and trade organization development and the establishment of a new economic dialogue among SCO members.
The summit, held in the picturesque capital of Pakistan at the foothills of the Margalla Hills, brought together SCO leaders to address pressing global challenges related to the economy, peace, and stability. The SCO represents the largest grouping of Eurasian countries, accounting for over 23% of global GDP.
During the meeting, Dar emphasized the year-long consultations that culminated in the outcomes achieved, urging member states to uphold the “Shanghai spirit.” He mentioned that the Prime Minister of Pakistan reaffirmed the country’s commitment to the SCO Charter and its objectives, emphasizing the SCO’s potential as a vital platform for sustainable development and regional prosperity.
The joint communiqué, signed by the leaders, covers various topics, including economy, trade, industry, investment, climate change, public health, culture, poverty alleviation, and women’s empowerment. Dar stated that the heads of government expressed their determination to strengthen their commitment to SCO objectives.
The communiqué also addressed the need for a global economic system that is open and transparent, promoting shared prosperity. Dar highlighted the leaders’ resolve to work collaboratively, respecting one another, to tackle future challenges facing the region.
The delegates recognized the importance of countering protectionist trade measures that violate WTO rules and agreed to strengthen the rules-based, equitable, and inclusive multilateral trading system. They condemned unilateral sanctions and trade restrictions that hinder sustainable development.
Dar noted the significance of implementing the SCO Economic Development Strategy and the Programme of Multilateral Trade and Economic Cooperation among member states. The leaders called for coordinated efforts to realize respective action plans and emphasized the establishment of frameworks for economic cooperation.
The meeting also acknowledged the need to enhance connectivity through roads and ports and called for intensified efforts in developing an SCO bank and investment fund. The budget for the year 2025 was approved.
Dar confirmed that Pakistan would pass the CHG-SCO chairmanship to the Russian Federation for 2025, pledging continued support for their presidency.
Secretary-General Zhang Ming praised Pakistan for its efforts in hosting the high-level meeting. He noted that the discussions focused on practical cooperation and the implementation of previous trade activities, as well as the adoption of new economic dialogue concepts to boost trade cooperation among SCO members.
Ming also mentioned that the meeting addressed the need for moderation and reforms within the SCO to enhance its efficiency and operational capacity while discussing global and regional issues to promote peace and prosperity.
