The premier underscored that Pakistan supports all SCO connectivity initiatives.
PM Shehbaz calls for ‘well-connected region’ in opening remarks at SCO meeting in Islamabad. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called upon the SCO members to work together for a well-connected, integrated, and prosperous region in his opening address at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit at the Jinnah Convention Centre in Islamabad.
Earlier, the premier warmly welcomed leaders from various member states, followed by a group photo session.
This high-profile 23rd meeting of the Council of the Heads of Government (CHG) of SCO, chaired by PM Shehbaz, marks a significant milestone for Pakistan as the host nation.
Among the attendees are Chinese Premier Li Qiang, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, and leaders from Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Iran. India is represented by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, while Mongolia is participating as an observer, represented by its Prime Minister.
The prime minister in his opening remarks, welcomed the delegates, saying “Welcome to Islamabad”. “It gives me immense pleasure to welcome our distinguished guests to Islamabad, the green and beautiful capital of Islamabad,” he added.
“From the esteemed platform of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, a beacon of multilateralism, I stand in the belief that we possess not only the potential but the will to forge a future that is more prosperous and secure for our people,” the premier said while addressing the meeting.
He emphasized that the summit manifested the collective voice and wishes of over 40 percent of the world’s population.
“The presence of the SCO leaders also evidenced their collective spirit of promoting cooperation, sustainable development, and regional prosperity,” he said.
“From the esteemed platform of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, a beacon of multilateralism, I stand in the belief that we possess not only the potential but the will to forge a future that is more prosperous and secure for our people,” the premier said while addressing the meeting.
The premier underscored that Pakistan supports all SCO connectivity initiatives. He highlighted the importance of the “establishment of a robust SCO connectivity framework” which should not merely boost regional trade but also advance the vision of connected Euro-Asia.
The SCO summit aims to foster cooperation among member states in key areas such as economy and trade. According to the Foreign Office, discussions will focus on strengthening regional ties and exploring opportunities for collaboration.
