23rd SCO Council of Heads of Government Meeting Set to Commence in Islamabad

The twenty-third meeting of the Council of the Heads of Government (CHG) of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is set to commence on Tuesday, with regional leaders gathering to focus on strengthening collaboration in trade, economy, and cultural ties.

Delegates from the participating countries have started arriving in Islamabad, which has been beautified with vibrant lights, floral arrangements, and flags of the SCO member states to warmly welcome the dignitaries. LED display screens have been installed at key intersections, which have also been adorned with lights and murals. Notable landmarks across the city feature colorful illuminations and Pakistani flags, providing a picturesque backdrop for residents and social media enthusiasts.

Li Qiang, the Premier of the State Council of China, has already arrived in the capital with a high-level delegation to attend the meeting and engage with Pakistan’s civil and military leadership. This two-day session of the SCO CHG, the organization’s second-highest forum, will be chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who currently holds the council’s chair.

Pakistan took over the rotating chair of the SCO CHG for 2023-24 during the last meeting held in Bishkek on October 26, 2023, represented at that time by former Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani.

Leaders attending the summit include China’s Premier Li Qiang, Belarus Prime Minister Roman Golovchenko, Kazakhstan Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov, Russia’s Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, Tajikistan’s Prime Minister Kohir Rasulzoda, Uzbekistan’s Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov, Kyrgyzstan’s Chairman of the Ministers’ Cabinet Akylbek Zhaparov, Iran’s First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref, and Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar.

Additionally, Mongolia will attend as an Observer State, represented by Prime Minister Oyun-Erdene Luvsannamsrai, while Turkmenistan will participate as a Special Guest, with Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Rashid Meredov representing the country.

Other notable attendees include SCO Secretary-General Zhang Ming, Director of the Executive Committee of the SCO Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) Ruslan Mirzayev, Chairman of the SCO Business Council Atif Ikram Shaikh, and Chairman of the Council of the SCO Interbank Union Marat Yelibayev.

The CHG meeting will address ongoing cooperation in various fields, including economy, trade, environment, and socio-cultural connections, as well as review the organization’s performance. Leaders are expected to make significant organizational decisions to enhance collaboration among SCO member states and approve the organization’s budget.

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