Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif opens SCO Summit 2024, talks to focus on trade, terrorism & security

Today (October 16, 2024) is the second day of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting in Pakistan’s capital Islamabad.

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif opened the high-level talks at the SCO Summit on Tuesday at Islamabad’s Jinnah Convention Centre and welcomed leaders from the 10 member states and 16 other ‘observer’ nations or dialogue partners.

While Sharif has set the tone for the SCO Summit with his opening remarks, the meeting is likely to see the signing of key documents related to trade, economy and regional security.

Sharif called on the SCO leaders to use the meeting to “exchange ideas, share best practices and forge concrete action plans that will benefit our economies and societies”.

He also expressed hope for “wonderful outcomes that will emerge from our in-depth deliberations”.

In his opening remark, the Pakistan PM highlighted that the SCO “embodies the collective voice and wishes of over 40 per cent of the global population anchored in the Shanghai spirit”.

“Your presence here today underscores our shared commitment to fulfilling the aspirations of our people to ensure collective security and to enhance mutually beneficial cooperation for sustainable development and prosperity of the SCO region,” he further said.

Sharif also termed the SCO Summit “another testament to the strength of our ties and collaboration among our diverse nations”.

“Together, we have the potential to drive socio-economic progress, enhance regional peace and stability, and to improve the quality of life for our citizens,” he said.

Shehbaz further highlighted: “We are at a historic moment of transition where sweeping transformations are reshaping the global, social, political, economic and security landscape.”

Calling the SCO platform a “beacon of multilateralism”, he added: “I stand resolute in the belief that we possess not only the potential but the collective well to forge a future more prosperous, stable and secure for our people — a future inclusive and reflective of shared aspirations of all member states.”

The SCO talks are expected to focus on enhancing regional economic cooperation, trade, terrorism, environmental challenges, and strengthening socio-cultural ties among the member states, according to a statement by Pakistan’s Foreign Office.

The summit is also expected to boost collaboration within the SCO and finalise the group’s budget for 2025.

India is represented by External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar, who landed in Islamabad on Tuesday. It is the first visit by an Indian minister to Pakistan in nine years. The last visit was undertaken by former EAM Sushma Swaraj in 2015. Jaishankar was the foreign secretary at the time and had accompanied Swaraj, who passed away in 2019.

Ahead of the opening of the SCO Summit in Islamabad, EAM Jaishankar and Sharif exchanged pleasantries and also interacted briefly.

The SCO session will be followed by an official luncheon for the dignitaries.

Also Read: After handshake with Sharif, Jaishankar to address SCO Summit in Pakistan capital

Jaishankar is scheduled to leave for India after the official luncheon programme.

Earlier in the day, Jaishankar had a morning walk at the premises of the Indian High Commission in Islamabad, Pakistan.

The EAM also planted an Arjuna sapling in the premises of the High Commission of India in Pakistan.

With inputs from agencies.