SCO national coordinators reaffirm commitment to practical cooperation

ISLAMABAD: The first meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of National Coordinators under Pakistan’s chairmanship concluded in Islamabad on Wednesday with consensus on strengthening coordination and practical cooperation among member states, the Foreign Office said.

The three-day meeting was held from September 28 to 30, bringing together national coordinators from SCO member states and representatives of the SCO Secretariat.

According to the Foreign Office, participants reviewed the programme of proposed activities under Pakistan’s SCO chairmanship and discussed progress on key initiatives as well as preparations for upcoming SCO meetings and events.

The meeting also focused on strengthening coordination among member states and ensuring effective implementation of the priorities of Pakistan’s chairmanship.

Pakistan’s theme for its SCO chairmanship is “Turning Vision into Action: Connectivity, Innovation and Shared Prosperity.”

The participating delegations and representatives of the SCO Secretariat also visited the Pakistan National Council of the Arts, where they were briefed on the country’s rich cultural heritage and diverse artistic traditions.

The delegations also visited the Naseer Bunda Hockey Stadium and were briefed on preparations for the SCO Hockey Tournament, scheduled to be held from November 20 to December 2, 2026.

The national coordinators met Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on September 30.

Dar highlighted Pakistan’s priorities for its SCO chairmanship and reiterated Islamabad’s commitment to working closely with all member states to advance the organisation’s objectives.

The Foreign Office said the meeting concluded with consensus, with participating national coordinators reaffirming their commitment to maintaining continuous engagement and practical cooperation to advance the SCO’s goals and objectives.

Earlier, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to an open, inclusive and constructive chairmanship of the SCO, guided by the “Shanghai Spirit” of mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, consultation and common development.