Kazakhstan’s Prime Minister Attends 23rd SCO Heads of Government Council Meeting in Islamabad

Islamabad, The Gulf Observer: Kazakhstan’s Prime Minister, Olzhas Bektenov, participated in the 23rd meeting of the Heads of Government Council of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in Islamabad, Pakistan, as reported by NHC. The high-level meeting focused on advancing cooperation in trade, economy, and cultural-humanitarian spheres, particularly in light of Belarus’ newly acquired full-fledged member status within the SCO.

Discussions centered on implementing agreements established during the SCO Summit held in Astana in July, with an emphasis on strengthening multilateral cooperation among member states. Kazakhstan’s trade turnover with the SCO nations saw a 6% increase in 2023, reaching $66.7 billion, further highlighting the organization’s economic significance, which accounts for 30% of global GDP.

In his address, Prime Minister Bektenov underscored Kazakhstan’s commitment to deepening cooperation in areas such as digitalization, online commerce, energy, and infrastructure development, including the modernization of transport networks and the creation of a port and logistics system. He emphasized the need for new strategies to ensure sustainable growth in trade amid global economic challenges and stressed the importance of mutually beneficial partnerships in energy and investment sectors.

The meeting also addressed critical issues such as climate change, waste management, and strengthening collaboration between educational and healthcare institutions, all aimed at fostering sustainable development and prosperity within the SCO.

The gathering concluded with the signing of eight key documents, including the “Concept of Development of the New Economic Dialogue among SCO Member States.” Other participants included heads of delegations from SCO member states, such as Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Belarusian Prime Minister Roman Golovchenko, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, Chinese Premier Li Qiang, and top officials from India, Iran, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Mongolia. Special guests included Turkmenistan’s Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Rashid Meredov.

The event marked a significant step forward in enhancing cooperation within the SCO, laying the groundwork for further economic and diplomatic ties among the member states.