PM Shehbaz Sharif Addresses 23rd SCO Heads of Government Council Meeting in Islamabad
Islamabad, The Gulf Observer: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif delivered a significant national statement at the 23rd Heads of Government Council Meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in Islamabad today. In his address, he underscored the pivotal moment the world is currently experiencing, characterized by transformative shifts across social, political, economic, and security domains.
“We stand at a pivotal moment in history, where tectonic shifts are taking place,” Sharif stated. “However, I firmly believe that from the platform of SCO, which symbolizes the spirit of collaboration, we have the resolve and determination to forge a brighter, more prosperous and secure future for our people and the region.”
The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of an inclusive approach that benefits all Member-States. He reflected on Pakistan’s priorities during its chairmanship of the SCO, which began last year, focusing on regional peace, stability, interconnectivity, sustainable development, and socio-cultural initiatives. Sharif acknowledged the collaborative efforts of Member-States, noting the progress made, as outlined in the Joint Communiqué from the meeting.
Among the initiatives adopted during Pakistan’s chairmanship are the establishment of the SCO Economic Preference Base, cooperation among trade promotion organizations, a framework for creative economy development, and the SCO New Economic Dialogue Program. He proposed that these concepts be transformed into actionable Plans of Action to strengthen cooperation in economic and trade spheres.
Sharif highlighted Afghanistan’s role in regional stability, emphasizing that a socio-economically stable Afghanistan could provide beneficial trade and transit routes for Member-States. He called on the international community to assist the Afghan Interim Government in addressing humanitarian crises while also demanding concrete steps toward political inclusivity and combating terrorism.
Economic collaboration was underscored as vital for SCO engagement, with Sharif expressing Pakistan’s support for regional infrastructure projects, including energy corridors. He welcomed the SCO Council’s decisions regarding the development of energy cooperation up to 2030 and advocated for a robust connectivity framework to enhance trade opportunities.
The Prime Minister stressed the necessity of combating poverty, recognizing it as a fundamental driver of economic development. As the permanent chair of the SCO Special Working Group to Combat Poverty, Pakistan has organized numerous seminars to share knowledge and best practices.
He also addressed the urgency of combating climate change, describing it as a significant threat to humanity. He advocated for enhanced environmental cooperation among Member-States and highlighted Pakistan’s innovative disaster management system, which aims to provide early warnings for climate-related emergencies.
In his concluding remarks, Sharif emphasized the need for reforming the international financial architecture and world trade regimes to promote global equity. He noted the growing realization of the gap between SCO’s aspirations and actual performance, urging Member-States to translate political will into concrete actions.
Prime Minister Sharif concluded by stressing the importance of cultural exchanges and people-to-people connections among SCO Member-States, which he believes are essential for fostering mutual understanding and lasting cooperation.
“I thank you all,” he said, reinforcing Pakistan’s commitment to a strengthened and effective SCO that can lead the charge for sustainable development in the region.
