Key Takeaways
- Pakistan and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) agreed to strengthen cultural cooperation.
- The agreement includes efforts in heritage conservation, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges.
- Pakistan is set to assume SCO chairmanship in 2027.
Pakistan has pledged to deepen its cultural ties with the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) as it prepares for a pivotal role in the organization. During a meeting on Wednesday, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to advancing SCO objectives, particularly in areas such as culture, heritage conservation, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges.
The meeting took place in Islamabad between Dar and Nurlan Yermekbayev, the Secretary-General of the SCO. The discussion focused on regional priorities and ways to enhance cooperation among member states. According to a statement from Pakistan's Foreign Office (FO), both parties engaged in a 'productive exchange' regarding key areas including the economy, transport, and connectivity.
Yermekbayev commended Pakistan’s “constructive contributions” towards promoting peace, stability, and regional cooperation within the SCO framework. He also shared proposals for boosting the organization's effectiveness and efficiency, particularly ahead of the upcoming Council of Foreign Ministers meeting in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
Dar expressed Pakistan's readiness to work closely with all member states as it prepares to host the SCO Summit in 2027. The country is set to take over the chairmanship of the SCO Council of Heads of State later that year, marking a significant milestone for regional diplomacy and cooperation.
The agreement underscores Pakistan’s commitment to fostering cultural exchanges and enhancing mutual understanding among member states. By focusing on heritage conservation and tourism, Pakistan aims to leverage its rich cultural heritage to promote dialogue and collaboration within the SCO framework.
Pakistan's Foreign Office highlighted that the meeting was part of a broader strategy to strengthen regional ties and ensure seamless cooperation under Pakistan’s chairmanship in 2027. The country is expected to host key events and initiatives aimed at advancing economic, social, and cultural development across the region.
The two sides held a productive exchange on the SCO priorities and ways to further strengthen cooperation among member states in key areas, including the economy, transport and connectivity.
Foreign Office of Pakistan
Pakistan is due to host the SCO Summit in 2027.
Foreign Office of Pakistan
