Beijing — Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar joined foreign ministers from Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) member states in a high-level meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on Monday. The gathering marked a significant diplomatic engagement aimed at enhancing regional cooperation and mutual development among SCO countries.
The meeting took place on the sidelines of the SCO Council of Foreign Ministers meeting, where discussions centered on deepening economic ties, promoting regional peace, and advancing multilateral cooperation among the SCO’s eight member nations.
President Xi welcomed the foreign ministers and reaffirmed China’s commitment to the SCO’s foundational principles, including mutual respect, non-interference, and win-win collaboration. He emphasized the need for unity and stronger coordination among member states in the face of global challenges.
During the session, Ishaq Dar highlighted Pakistan’s steadfast support for the SCO’s vision and praised China’s role in fostering regional stability and economic development. He reiterated Pakistan’s desire to further enhance bilateral cooperation with China, particularly under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship project under China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
Dar also underscored the importance of addressing regional security threats, including terrorism, and emphasized the need for collective efforts to ensure lasting peace and prosperity in South and Central Asia. He expressed Pakistan’s willingness to play a constructive role in all SCO initiatives and reaffirmed the country’s commitment to regional connectivity, energy cooperation, and economic integration.
The meeting with President Xi provided a platform for the foreign ministers to exchange views on global governance, multilateralism, and economic recovery in a post-pandemic world. The leaders also discussed enhanced collaboration in areas such as digital transformation, food security, and green development.
China, as the current chair of the SCO, has prioritized expanding cooperation across multiple sectors and strengthening the bloc’s strategic influence in Eurasia. The presence of Pakistan’s top diplomat at this high-level engagement signifies Islamabad’s continued diplomatic commitment to the SCO and its strategic alignment with Beijing.
The SCO, which includes China, Russia, Pakistan, India, and several Central Asian countries, serves as a vital multilateral platform for addressing shared political, economic, and security concerns.
