SCO Countries Pledge to Strengthen Cultural and Humanitarian Ties

Agreement Reached on Strengthening Cooperation in Counter-Terrorism and Security

Islamabad-(Mudassar Iqbal): The 23rd Meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) took place in Islamabad on October 15-16, 2024. The meeting was attended by prime ministers and ministers from SCO member states, including Belarus, China, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.

The participants appreciated Pakistan’s chairmanship and stressed the importance of implementing decisions made during the Astana meeting on July 4, 2024. They expressed support for China’s chairmanship for 2024-2025 and reaffirmed their commitment to promoting mutual respect, justice, equality, and cooperation.

The heads of delegation emphasized the need for sustainable development, poverty alleviation, and environmental protection. They noted the significance of regional cooperation in areas like trade, economy, finance, and cultural exchange. The meeting highlighted the importance of people-to-people diplomacy in strengthening mutual understanding and cultural ties.

The participants discussed various initiatives, including the proposal for a Resolution by the UN General Assembly on “World Unity for a Just Peace, Harmony, and Development.” They reaffirmed their commitment to promoting cooperation in politics, security, trade, economy, finance, and cultural fields.

The meeting addressed global challenges like protectionism, unilateral sanctions, and climate change. The heads of delegation opposed protectionist actions and advocated for a rules-based WTO and multilateral trading system.

The participants noted the potential of digital economy, scientific innovations, and technology in driving economic growth. They emphasized the need for coordinated efforts to implement action plans and programs in areas like green development, digital economy, trade, and innovation.

The meeting stressed the importance of energy cooperation, including renewable energy and cross-border energy infrastructure. The heads of delegation noted the significance of transportation corridors, logistics, and connectivity in promoting regional cooperation.

The participants discussed cooperation in areas like healthcare, education, culture, tourism, and sports. They emphasized the role of SCO University, academic exchanges, vocational education, and language training in promoting people-to-people diplomacy.

The meeting approved the Report of the SCO Secretariat and made decisions on financial and organizational activities. The next meeting of the Council of Heads of Government will take place in 2025 in Russia.

The participants expressed gratitude to Pakistan for hosting the successful meeting, which took place in a constructive and friendly atmosphere.

Some notable initiatives and agreements from the meeting include:

– Implementing the SCO Economic Development Strategy until 2030
– Promoting cooperation in digital economy, innovation, and technology
– Strengthening energy security and renewable energy
– Developing transportation corridors and logistics
– Enhancing people-to-people diplomacy through education, culture, and tourism
– Opposing protectionism and promoting multilateral trading system
– Addressing global challenges like climate change and poverty alleviation

The 23rd Meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of the SCO demonstrated the organization’s commitment to promoting regional cooperation, sustainable development, and people-to-people diplomacy.

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