BISHKEK, Aug 16: Foreign Minister Khurshid Kasuri has said that Pakistan’s partnership with the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) would help eradicate terrorism.

Addressing the seventh SCO summit of heads of states here, the foreign minister said: “As a frontline state, we have and continue to make painful sacrifices. Our determination to completely eradicate terrorism and extremism remains unwavering”.

Mr Kasuri observed that Pakistan’s participation in the SCO would enhance the organisation’s capabilities to counter terrorism.

He said that the Pakistani business community and financial sector would like to contribute in the Business Council and the Inter-Bank Association.

He expressed satisfaction that the SCO was prioritising cooperation in the field of energy.

“By harmonizing the interest of the producers, consumers and transit State, we can establish a truly credible framework for collaboration in this vital area,” he said.

He lauded the organisation’s initiative to strengthen cooperation with observers and said that as an observer, Pakistan was eagerly looking forward to participate in core SCO activities such as the areas of finance and commerce, transport and communications, and energy and security.

Mr Kasuri called for an early decision on Pakistan’s membership in the SCO. “The destinies of the SCO and Pakistan are linked. A vibrant SCO-Pakistan partnership would work as much to the advantage of Pakistan, as to the SCO.”

“Our participation in SCO will be geared towards promoting harmony and stability within this great family of nations. In Pakistan, they will find always a reliable friend, and a mature partner,” he said.

Mr Kasuri also held a meeting with his Chinese counterpart Yang Jiechi during which issues of bilateral interest and regional developments were discussed.—APP