Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi delivered a statement at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization's (SCO) 17th Council of Heads of Government in Dushanbe on Friday, in which he recalled Pakistan's "largest and most effective counter-terrorism operations" in recent years and offered to share the country's expertise in combatting terrorism through the 'SCO Regional Anti Terrorist Structure'.
Speaking during the meeting, attended by representatives of the permanent members of the organisation, FM Qureshi expressed Pakistan's support for the SCO charter.
He said that more than just a regional platform, the SCO was a "fulcrum representing the hopes, the aspirations, the dreams and the expectations of nearly half of humanity".
Qureshi said that the world was in a "state of flux" and a "global architecture for peace, security and development, that treats all sovereign states on the footings of equality and respect" was required.
"By subscribing to these principles, [the] SCO presages such an architecture," he said.
The foreign minister also reiterated Pakistan's previous proposal for the establishment of SCO-Pakistan corridors for trade, transit and energy.
During the Council's meeting, FM Qureshi said that peace and security in Afghanistan were essential for stability in the region and said Pakistan supported the organisation's contact group on Afghanistan, hoping to see them contribute "more effectively" for peace and stability in the country.
Qureshi also thanked the SCO secretariat for facilitating Pakistan's induction into the organisation's programmes and processes.
"We are happy to note that in addition to finalising financial arrangements, this meeting will conclude significant understandings on trade, scientific collaboration, environmental protection and food security, among others."
In his address, Qureshi also offered suggestions to build upon the momentum the organisation had generated so far.
These suggestions included an SCO-wide mechanism to conduct trade and adopt a long-term view on development projects that would benefit the whole region.
"The Belt and Road Initiative and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor [CPEC] merit the SCO’s full support," Qureshi said.
He added that lessons could be learnt from within the SCO community on issues such as eradicating poverty and fast-tracking development.
FM Qureshi further proposed that an "SCO wide visa regime" for business individuals could promote "intra-regional and trans-regional contracts".
He also suggested exploring the feasibility of a "joint SCO airline".
Qureshi added that organisation should "open up more meaningfully to observers and dialogue partners" and the capabilities of the youth should be utilised.
The foreign minister expressed his gratitude to the chairman of the council as well as the Tajik Prime Minister Kokhir Rasulzoda and the people of Tajikistan for their hospitality.
"Tajikistan is Pakistan’s close neighbour, a good friend and a dear brother. The bonds of kith and clan and culture and commerce tie the Tajik and Pakistani nations in an abiding relationship," he said in conclusion.
Comments (26) Closed
The future of SCO looks bright. But indeed their number of challenges this group is facing regarding regional connectivity, peace and security. All the best for Asian brotherhood.
The coverage of SCO is not very much I wonder why.
Pakistan's "largest and most effective counter-terrorism operations" but the problem is FATF is not buying that argument, also nobody is investing in Pakistan other than China and hence Pakistan's previous proposal for the establishment of SCO-Pakistan corridors for trade, transit and energy is falling on deaf ears.
One has go beyond the nice conference declarations and work hard to create realities on the ground.
IMF $7 Billion Loan is Real Game Changer for Pakistan
Good proposals, practical ideas, are the first step towards betterment of SCO-region, yes almost half of the global population lives in SCO region. The most easiest is to begin with SCO Visa Regime ( like Schengen Visa) wherein any member country can issue visa to travel within SCO. Let’s start with business visa. Other bilateral issues may also be amicably settled through dialogue. The opportunities are infinite and things can move forward if and only the members demonstrate responsibility for peace in larger interest of the future of such a great region with such a magnificent great population of Asia.
No one is going to buy.
UN designated wanders around with impunity and expertise given, how to counter, no nation will take it.
World is just simply watching Pakistan and Qureshi is making look green with sweet words.
Once again spectacle of CPEC is being presented in SCO Summit, it’s like luring other countries into the troubled project with fancy talks.
Sco airline!! What a lousy Idea!
No country is going to burn their fingers in CPEC , which is totally Chinese project.
FM is theatrical in his demeanor with wishful antics thrown in. It seems minister speaks with local audience all the time.
First focus on country's internal economic situation rather than global economic situation.
Free business visa for Pakistan is not possible with current circumstances. But India will definitely consider it if it benefits us more.
Well said
this guys just talks to media... is he ever approached neighbors? as long as egoist IK is there.. neighbors will never approach u for friendship
joint SCO airline?
First fix PIA
CPEC is a project between Pakistan & China. What is SCO's commitment to CPEC? SCO members are free to participate in CPEC but it is not necessary for them to actively participate. Please do not send out messages which have little practical ground.
Speeches are speeches but putting words into practice is a totally different matter.
Useless talk and waste of time and money.
Lots of talk but nothing to show for.
As usual .
Enjoying free foreign trips in Naya Pakistan .IN power only less than 2 months how many trips you have done abroad and what results you got zero Wasting huge amount of foreign excange
@mady I totally agree.
Pakistan has also proposed an SCO space station. SUPARCO scientists are in final phases of making one. Other countries will be making some smaller parts.