Regional cooperation is essential for development, PM at SCO summit

ISLAMABAD: As the 23rd Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit commenced at Islamabad’s Jinnah Convention Centre, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended a warm welcome to the Prime Ministers and delegations of all member countries. Expressing his gratitude for their participation, the Prime Minister underscored the significance of Pakistan hosting this prestigious gathering, calling it an “honour” for the nation.

“This meeting will provide an invaluable opportunity to strengthen our relations with member countries,” PM Sharif said during his address, emphasising Pakistan’s commitment to deepening ties across the region. “Pakistan attaches great importance to increasing regional cooperation, and this summit is pivotal in advancing those shared goals.”

23rd SCO summit begins at Jinnah Convention Center

He further stressed the importance of promoting regional collaboration, which he believes is essential for sustainable development. “The promotion of regional cooperation and relations is crucial if we are to achieve lasting development in the region,” he said. “Together, we must move forward to ensure economic growth, stability, and prosperity for all.”

With SCO countries representing 40 per cent of the world’s population, the prime minister highlighted the potential for collective action to improve the quality of life for millions. “We must work towards providing better facilities and a higher quality of life for our people,” he said, adding that the outcomes of the summit would have profound implications for the entire region.

He also touched upon the shifting global dynamics, stressing the need for unified measures in response to these changes. “The current global situation requires collective action. Pakistan is fully committed to fostering regional development, stability, and the strengthening of relations among member countries,” the Prime Minister declared.

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As the summit progresses, the leaders are expected to discuss regional security, economic cooperation, and ways to combat shared challenges such as terrorism, with Prime Minister Sharif voicing his optimism for significant outcomes. “The results of this meeting will be vital for the region,” he concluded, reaffirming Pakistan’s dedication to fostering a more stable and prosperous future for all SCO nations.

PM Sharif also stressed the need to halt the use of Afghanistan’s land for terrorism, urging the global community to recognise Afghanistan’s importance for regional development and stability. He highlighted that the international community must prioritise humanitarian aid to Afghanistan to ensure its recovery and progress.

Reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to peace in the region, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Sharif mentioned the steps his government is taking to establish long-term stability. He emphasised the importance of collective efforts, noting that no single country can address the challenges facing the region alone. “We must move forward together for peace, development, economic prosperity, and stronger regional ties,” he said.

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Touching on the threats posed by climate change, the prime minister acknowledged that it is not only Pakistan but other nations across the world that are also grappling with its effects. He underscored the urgency of addressing climate-related challenges and called it a significant obstacle to sustainable development.

Shehbaz Sharif also highlighted the significance of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) for regional development, referring to Pakistan and China’s partnership in entering the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

He concluded by stating that these collective efforts will be crucial in ensuring the region’s economic growth and stability.