Web desk(National Times)- Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Wednesday met with the secretary general of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), Nurlan Yermekbayev, and reaffirmed Pakistan\u2019s commitment to advancing its objectives, the Foreign Office (FO) said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In a post on X, the FO said that Dar received Yermekbayev, with the two holding a \u201cproductive exchange\u201d on the SCO priorities and ways to further strengthen cooperation among member states in key areas, including economy, transport, and connectivity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThey also exchanged views on regional and international developments. The secretary general commended Pakistan\u2019s constructive contributions to promoting regional peace, stability, and cooperation,\u201d the FO said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe secretary general shared his perspective and proposals for further enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of the SCO, and briefed DPM Dar on preparations for the forthcoming SCO Council of Foreign Ministers Meeting in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan,\u201d it said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to the FO, DPM Dar reaffirmed Pakistan\u2019s \u201cstrong commitment to advancing the SCO\u2019s objectives\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He also expressed readiness to work closely with all member states ahead of Pakistan assuming the chairmanship of the SCO Council of Heads of State in September and hosting the SCO summit in 2027.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Initially formed as a security cooperation group in 2001, the SCO has now evolved into a forum for trade and economic development in the region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The SCO comprises 10 member states, namely India, Iran, China, Pakistan, Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. The two observer states are Afghanistan and Mongolia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n