Key Takeaways
- Pakistan chaired the first meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation's Council of National Coordinators in Islamabad.
- The meeting, held under Pakistan's chairmanship for 2026-27, included participation from India despite strained bilateral relations.
- Discussions focused on SCO activities and cooperation among member states, including the programme of events for Pakistan's chairmanship.
Pakistan hosted the first meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation's (SCO) Council of National Coordinators (CNC) in Islamabad on Monday. The meeting, under Pakistan's chairmanship for 2026-27, saw participation from the Indian side, despite the current frosty relations between the two countries.
According to a statement issued by the Foreign Office, the meeting discussed a wide range of matters related to SCO activities and cooperation among member states. The participants also deliberated on the programme of events planned to be held during Pakistan's chairmanship of the organisation.
Pakistan assumed the chairmanship of the SCO Council of Heads of State for the 2026-27 period, during which it is scheduled to host and oversee a series of meetings and activities under the regional grouping. The CNC is responsible for coordinating and managing the SCO's regular activities, including the necessary preparations for the meetings of the Council of Heads of State.
Dr Mohammad Faisal, a senior Pakistani diplomat who served as Pakistan's high commissioner to the United Kingdom, represented Pakistan in the meeting. India's SCO national coordinator, Alok Dimri, led the Indian delegation to Islamabad, which is expected to stay in the country until the end of the month.
The CNC meeting is a significant step in the SCO's operational framework, aimed at enhancing cooperation and coordination among member states. The discussions focused on various aspects of SCO activities, including economic, security, and cultural cooperation.
The meeting highlighted the importance of maintaining dialogue and cooperation among member states, even in the face of challenges. The participants expressed their commitment to working together to achieve the goals set by the SCO.
Pakistan's chairmanship of the SCO Council of Heads of State for the 2026-27 period is expected to bring significant opportunities for regional collaboration and development. The CNC meeting is a crucial first step in this process.
