Islamabad, October 12, 2018 (PPI-OT): Foreign Minister of Pakistan Makhdoom Shah Mehmood Qureshi today participated in the restricted and extended sessions of the 17th Meeting of the Council of Heads of Government (CHG) of the Member States of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in Dushanbe, Tajikistan on the invitation of Prime Minister of Tajikistan H.E. Mr. Qohir Rasulzoda. He conveyed the greetings of Prime Minster Imran Khan to all leaders participating in the meeting.
This was the second CHG meeting attended by Pakistan after becoming a full member of SCO in June last year. Prime Ministers of China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Foreign Minister of India also attended the meeting. The Council of the Heads of the Government exchanged views on the emerging economic situation in the region and beyond and held in-depth discussions on economic integration, regional connectivity and peace and security.
The Foreign Minister in his address to the Council highlighted the importance of SCO as a vital platform to achieve the objectives of peace, security and stability across Eurasia. He underscored the need of upholding peace in an increasingly tense international environment. While speaking about economic development through regional connectivity, Foreign Minister highlighted the importance of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
The Foreign Minister also emphasised on Cooperation among SCO countries in the field of multilateral trade and removal of tariff and non-tariff barriers. He also supported the initiative of establishment of SCO development bank and development fund.
In the context of SCO’s Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) the Foreign Minister highlighted Pakistan’s commitment in combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. He offered to SCO member states the sharing of expertise gained in fighting terrorism. The Foreign Minister also expressed Pakistan’s full support for peace and stability in Afghanistan and assured full cooperation for SCO’s initiative in this regard. The Foreign Minister also held important meetings on the side-lines of the summit.
For more information, contact:
Spokesman
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Government of Pakistan
Tell: +92-51-9205494
Fax: +92-51-9204202
Cell: +92-336-5644459
Website: www.mofa.gov.pk