Deputy Prime Minister Dar Advocates for Enhanced Connectivity and Financial Collaboration at SCO Summit

SCO Summit is covered in the report below.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar utilized the 24th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of Government (CHG) meeting in Moscow to advocate for increased

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar utilized the 24th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of Government (CHG) meeting in Moscow to advocate for increased regional connectivity, the introduction of new financial tools within the SCO framework, and deeper partnerships with pivotal nations, particularly Russia and China. Dar's active participation included several high-level bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the summit.

SCO Summit: Meeting Overview

As head of Pakistan's delegation to the CHG, which convened from November 17 to 18, Dar joined fellow leaders in a collective audience with Russian President Vladimir Putin. During this meeting, President Putin underscored the necessity of strengthening regional economic cooperation, positioning the SCO as a platform for connectivity, stability, and mutually beneficial development.

Commitment to Shanghai Spirit

In his remarks at the CHG Narrow Format session, which included SCO members only, Dar reiterated Pakistan's commitment to the "Shanghai Spirit". He outlined several priorities, including enhanced cooperation in connectivity, energy, transport infrastructure, logistics, and development. Dar encouraged member states to consider the use of national currencies for mutual settlements and proposed the establishment of an SCO Development Bank, an SCO Development Fund, and an Investment Fund. He emphasized the importance of comprehensive dialogue on regional political matters, specifically noting the critical need for stability in Afghanistan for the broader region's peace and stability.

Economic Integration and Modernization

While addressing the CHG in its Expanded Format, Dar reaffirmed Pakistan's dedication to fostering economic bridges through concrete actions, promoting greater economic integration via trade, investment, and digital advancements. He offered to share Pakistan's experiences in disaster preparedness and called for a modernization of the SCO to enhance its global outreach, including improving the usage of English in its official communications. Furthermore, he recommended deepening engagements with observer and partner countries through project-based collaborations aimed at achieving shared objectives. Dar highlighted the potential of the SCO Interbank Consortium to finance development projects within member states and emphasized the necessity of building human capital through strengthened academic alliances and transforming the SCO University Network into a consortium for applied knowledge.

Conclusion of the CHG Meeting

A statement from the Foreign Office noted that leaders examined the development of trade, economic, cultural, and humanitarian cooperation within the SCO, including the roles of Observer States and Partners, as part of the organization's modernization efforts following the outcomes of the SCO Summit in Tianjin. The Moscow CHG approved several key decisions and documents, culminating in a joint communiqué that outlined the strategic direction for future economic cooperation under the SCO.

Dialogues with Russia and China

Separately, on the sidelines of the CHG, Dar met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, where they assessed the full spectrum of bilateral relations and expressed satisfaction with the current trajectory of ties between the two nations. They discussed a range of regional and international issues and committed to enhancing coordination in multilateral platforms, including the United Nations and the SCO.

Dar also held a bilateral meeting with Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk, where discussions revolved around strengthening cooperation across various sectors, including political, trade, energy, and technology.

In discussions with Chinese Premier Li Qiang, Dar reaffirmed the "all-weather" strategic partnership between Pakistan and China, emphasizing bilateral and multilateral cooperation within the SCO framework.

Engagement with Regional Leaders

During his visit to Moscow, Dar engaged with several regional leaders to discuss cooperative priorities. He met with Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani to explore bilateral relations.

Additionally, Dar had discussions with Adylbek Kasymaliev, Kyrgyz Republic's Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, congratulating him on his assumption of the SCO leadership. He also met with Uzbek Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov to underscore the positive developments in Pakistan-Uzbekistan relations.

Dar concluded his engagements with a meeting with Tajik Prime Minister Kokhir Rasulzoda, reaffirming Pakistan's commitment to enhancing ties across diverse sectors and multilateral platforms.