Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit Begins Today in Islamabad
The 23rd Meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Council of Heads of Government (CHG) will take place on October 16, 2024, in Islamabad, under the chairmanship of Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. He will deliver the opening address at the event. This two-day summit will bring together regional leaders to discuss collaboration on trade, economy, and cultural linkages.
High-Level Delegations Arriving for the Summit
Several prominent leaders are expected to attend the summit, including the prime ministers of China, Russia, Turkmenistan, and Tajikistan. India will be represented by its foreign minister, alongside delegations from seven other member states. Chinese Premier Li Qiang arrived in Islamabad on Monday, while Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin is scheduled to arrive on the eve of October 16. Other dignitaries from Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, and Kazakhstan are also expected, with Mongolia’s prime minister attending as an observer.
Key Agenda: Strengthening Regional Cooperation
The summit will focus on evaluating the performance of the SCO and enhancing cooperation between member states. In addition to trade and economic collaboration, the discussions will also address cultural linkages and partnerships among the nations. Iran’s First Vice President and India’s External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar will join the discussions, further broadening the scope of regional engagement.
Islamabad’s Preparations for the Event
Islamabad has undergone extensive preparations for the event, with the city adorned with colorful lights, floral decorations, and flags from SCO member states. LED display screens have been installed at key intersections, and landmarks across the city are illuminated with lights and murals, creating a festive atmosphere. The Red Zone has been sealed off, with over 10,000 police officers deployed to ensure security, and the area remains under military control during the summit.
SCO Leadership and Pakistan’s Role
Pakistan assumed the rotating chairmanship of the SCO CHG for 2023-24 during the previous meeting in Bishkek on October 26, 2023. The country was represented by then-interim Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani. As the current chair, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will lead the discussions at this year’s meeting. Other notable attendees include Belarusian Prime Minister Roman Golovchenko, Kazakh Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov, Tajik Prime Minister Kohir Rasulzoda, Uzbek Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov, and Kyrgyzstan’s Chairman of Ministers’ Cabinet Zhaparov Akylbek.
The meeting will serve as a critical platform for regional leaders to strengthen ties and explore new opportunities for collaboration.
