Promotion of regional cooperation, connectivity important for development: PM

Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Wednesday that for sustainable development, regional cooperation and promotion of relations are necessary. All countries can improve the economy of the region.

The 23rd Summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) has officially begun. Prime Minister of China Li Qiang, Russia Mikhail Mishustin, Tajikistan Khair Rasulzadeh, Kyrgyz Zaparov Akilbey, Belarus Roman Golovchenko, Kazakhstan Oladas Banktinov, Tajikistan Kohar Rasulzadeh and Uzbekistan Abdullah Arpiov were present at the meeting.

Apart from this, Iranian Vice President Mohammad Arif and Indian Foreign Minister Jai Shankar are also participating in the SCO conference while Mongolia is participating as an observer country represented by the Mongolian Prime Minister. Prime Minister Shwhbaz Sharif welcomed all the distinguished guests. 

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif while delivering the opening address at the SCO summit said that it is an honor for him to chair the meeting. He welcomed all the distinguished guests to the SCO meeting. 

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, while delivering the opening address at the SCO summit, stated that he welcomes all the distinguished guests to the SCO meeting and welcomes the leaders participating in the SCO summit.

He added that the SCO countries are 40 percent of the world's population. Today's meeting is providing an important opportunity to increase regional cooperation. “I want meaningful negotiations and results in the SCO meeting, we have to provide a better quality of life and facilities to our people. All countries can improve the economy of the United region”.

Shehbaz further said that promoting regional cooperation and linkages is necessary for sustainable development. All countries can improve the economy of the region together. He wanted meaningful negotiations and results in the SCO meeting and was sure that the meeting would be successful. The results of the discussion will be available to the people of the region, and the co-leaders of the SCO meeting approved the agenda.

Prime Minister also stated: “We are facing change and evolution in the global scenario. The current situation requires collective action. Pakistan is determined to promote regional development, stability, and connectivity. We are moving ahead by utilizing collective wisdom”.

The Prime Minister continued to say that attention needs to be paid to the areas of tourism links and green development. Efforts are necessary to increase trade links. SCO countries have to consider a new strategy for economic cooperation. Countries in the region have many opportunities for cooperation in the transport and energy sectors.

He said that Afghanistan is a very important country for regional development and stability. The international community should focus on humanitarian aid in Afghanistan and want peace in Afghanistan.

“Pakistan wants a peaceful, stable and prosperous Afghanistan. The use of Afghanistan's land for terrorism must be stopped. Afghan land should not be used for terrorism in any country, “stated the PM.

The premier also said that the Belt and Road is a very important project for regional development.  Pakistan is entering the second phase of the Economic Corridor. We need economic stability for a common future. Measures to eradicate poverty from the region should be prioritized.

Shehbaz Sharif said that it is the responsibility of the world leaders to give a better future to the coming generations. The threats faced due to climate change are important challenges, we have to work together to deal with natural disasters.