PM Shehbaz Sharif calls for enhanced regional connectivity and cooperation at SCO meeting

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has urged member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization to work together for a well-connected, integrated and prosperous region.

He was delivering the national statement at the 23rd meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of Government in Islamabad today.

Shehbaz Sharif emphasized enhanced connectivity, poverty alleviation, climate action and greater business collaboration for a prosperous future.

The Prime Minister underscored the importance of the establishment of a robust SCO connectivity framework, which should not merely boost regional trade, but also advance the vision of connected Euro-Asia.

He said projects such as Belt and Road Initiative and the International North-South Transport Corridor should be expanded, focusing on developing road, rail and digital infrastructure.

The Prime Minister said Pakistan welcomes the decisions to ensure and endorse the strategy for the development of energy cooperation-2030 and the establishment of Association of Investors. He said Pakistan stands ready to play its part in realizing the lofty ambitions.

Highlighting the importance of a stable Afghanistan, the Prime Minister said it is not only desirable but also essential to fully realizing the great opportunities. He urged the international community to step forward with urgent humanitarian support for Afghanistan. He also called upon Afghan interim government to ensure that their soil is not misused for terrorism against its neighbors by any entity.

The Prime Minister called for collective efforts to address the root causes of poverty and uplift the quality of life for peoples of the region.

Describing climate change as existential crisis that transcends borders, Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan is on the frontline of climate induced disasters.  He called for prioritizing environmental cooperation within the SCO to build resilience and secure a sustainable future for generations to come.

He said Pakistan welcomes the recent SCO agreement on environmental protection and calls upon all member states to actively engage in both regional and global environmental efforts.  He said Pakistan looks forward to organizing simulation exercises with SCO partners to bolster disaster preparedness across the region.

Talking about financial challenges, Shehbaz Sharif said reforming the global financial architecture and trade regimes is essential to fostering development. He said Pakistan supports the establishment of an SCO alternative development funding mechanism, which could provide the impetus needed for the revival of stalled development projects.

The Prime Minister further urged the SCO states to encourage their private sectors to cultivate an environment that is conducive to do business and investment within the SCO region.

Shehbaz Sharif said the growing consensus among member states on the use of mutual currencies for settlements is a promising development.

The Prime Minister said Pakistan firmly believes that a stronger and more effective SCO is essential to achieving sustainable development in the region.

Shehbaz Sharif said SCO is the rich mosaic of our cultures and the diversity of our people that forms the heart of this organization.  He added that Pakistan remains deeply committed to fostering people to people ties and cultural exchanges that bridge divides and promote harmony, cultivate understanding and deepen cooperation.

Earlier, in his opening remarks the Prime Minister said this meeting is another testament to the strength of our ties and collaboration among the diverse nations. He emphasized that SCO has the potential to drive socio-economic progress, enhance regional peace and stability and to improve the quality of life for its citizens.