Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif departed for Dushanbe on Tuesday for a two-day official visit to Tajikistan. Following this visit, he will travel to Astana, Kazakhstan, to attend the twin Summits of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Council of Heads of State (CHS) and SCO Plus from July 3-4, 2024.
During his stay in Dushanbe, the Prime Minister is scheduled to meet with President Emomali Rahmon, Chairman of the Majlisi Namoyandagon of Majlisi Oli Mahmadtoir Zoir Zokirzoda, and Prime Minister Qohir Rasulzoda. This visit marks another step in the ongoing high-level exchanges between Pakistan and Tajikistan, aimed at strengthening bilateral relations. The two nations are expected to sign several agreements and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) in various areas of cooperation.
Following his visit to Tajikistan, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif will head to Kazakhstan for the SCO Summits. He will be accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, along with other senior cabinet members and government officials, as stated by the Foreign Office Spokesperson in a press release.
At the SCO Council of Heads of State Summit, Prime Minister Sharif will present Pakistan’s perspective on crucial regional and global issues. He will emphasize the significance of regional connectivity and collaboration with SCO member countries. This summit serves as a vital platform for Pakistan to reaffirm its commitment to fostering regional stability and economic integration.
The SCO Plus Summit, which includes SCO member states as well as invited dialogue partners, observer states, guests of the chair, and international organizations, will also see the Prime Minister addressing the assembly. In his speech, he will highlight the importance of strengthening the SCO to benefit the people of the region. The Prime Minister’s participation underscores Pakistan’s active role in promoting peace, security, and prosperity in the region.
In addition to the main events, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif will engage in bilateral meetings with other participating leaders on the sidelines of the summit. One of the key meetings will be with Chinese President Xi Jinping. These discussions are expected to cover a range of topics, including economic cooperation, security issues, and other matters of mutual interest.
Prime Minister Sharif’s visit to Tajikistan and Kazakhstan is part of Pakistan’s broader strategy to enhance its diplomatic and economic ties with Central Asian countries. Tajikistan and Kazakhstan are important partners for Pakistan in the SCO, and the meetings will likely result in agreements that bolster cooperation in trade, investment, and energy sectors.
The Prime Minister’s meetings in Tajikistan will focus on deepening the economic and political ties between the two countries. The signing of new agreements and MoUs will pave the way for increased collaboration in various fields, such as trade, energy, and infrastructure development. These agreements are expected to benefit both nations by fostering a more integrated regional economy.
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization is a significant regional intergovernmental organization that promotes political, economic, and security cooperation. Pakistan’s participation in the SCO Summits highlights its strategic interest in regional stability and economic integration. The SCO platform allows member states to discuss and address shared challenges, such as terrorism, extremism, and economic development.
By participating in these summits, Pakistan aims to contribute to the collective efforts of the SCO to ensure a secure and prosperous region. The discussions at the summits will focus on enhancing connectivity through infrastructure development, trade facilitation, and people-to-people exchanges. Prime Minister Sharif’s address will underscore Pakistan’s commitment to these goals and its readiness to work with other member states to achieve them.
