Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Tuesday stated that the Shanghai Cooperation organisation (SCO) is “well-placed” to promote regional cooperation in the humanitarian field to address emergencies.
The SCO is currently holding its Council of Heads of Government summit in Moscow from November 17 to 18. Under Russia’s rotating presidency, this high-level meeting follows the landmark tianjin summit three months prior and occurs at a pivotal moment for Eurasian economic connectivity within a changing global landscape.
“Excellencies, the agenda before us – encompassing trade, economy, culture, and humanitarian cooperation – forms the foundation of a mature, future-oriented SCO,” FM Dar saeid during his speech in Moscow. “Pakistan views these as interconnected elements within a stronger framework of regional partnership.”
He noted that the Tianjin summit signaled the organisation’s evolution, demonstrating a commitment to harnessing collective potential through economic integration. This includes expanded trade collaboration, improved infrastructure connectivity, investment partnerships, the advancement of cross-border trade corridors, and the promotion of digital economic development.
Dar highlighted that the SCO has established a foundation for sustainable economic progress throughout the region.
“Pakistan has developed a technology-driven, proactive disaster management system,” the FM pointed out, adding that the country is “keen” to organise simulation exercises with SCO partners to enhance disaster preparedness across the region.
“Excellencies, our discussions at Tianjin underscored the need to modernise our outreach.the value of our observer and partner states is immense,” Dar said.
He proposed a shift “from a model of passive observation to one of real engagement. Let us invite them to participate not as guests on the periphery but as stakeholders in specific project-based initiatives that align with their expertise and our collective goals.”
Dar emphasised that this approach “would create a flexible,multi-tiered model of cooperation that would benefit all.”
“An important feature of the SCO’s modernisation is the introduction of English as a working language,” FM dar pointed out. “Let us move forward from political declarations and establish a translation unit. This single step would enable the SCO to attract more partners and achieve wider influence.”
“Excellencies, to translate the momentum of Tianjin into tangible progress, we suggest a greater focus on practical, cross-cutting initiatives,” Dar said.
On the sidelines of the Moscow summit, Dar met with Russian President vladimir Putin, along with other SCO heads of state and officials.
The Foreign Office (FO) stated in a post on X that Putin welcomed all SCO members to the summit in the Russian capital. He also “emphasised the importance of strengthening regional economic cooperation under the SCO, highlighting its role as a key platform for connectivity, stability, and mutually beneficial development across the region.”
dar also held meetings with senior Chinese and Russian officials. He met with chinese Premier Li Qiang, where both reaffirmed the “all-weather” Pakistan-China strategic partnership and reviewed bilateral and regional issues.