Pakistan will host the SCO summit on transportation and connectivity this year. Caretaker Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani declared on Thursday that Pakistan, having assumed leadership of the Council of Heads of Government of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization for the upcoming year, intends to host a conference on transportation and connectivity in the latter part of the year to bolster regional prosperity.
As the leader of his nation’s delegation to the 22nd meeting of the council in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, Jilani delivered these remarks.
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The council concentrates on economic, finance, trade, and socioeconomic collaboration and is the second-highest body within the SCO.
The interim foreign minister stated, “This year, Pakistan intends to host a conference on transport and connectivity for regional prosperity.” He said that Pakistan would prioritize regional cooperation in practical and vital areas.
“These encompass youth empowerment, investment in critical sectors including mining, agriculture, minerals, energy, climate change, and information technology, and the improvement of connectivity and transport links,” he stated.
Jilani stated that Pakistan was an ideal trade conduit due to its geographical location and that its leadership understood the importance of investing in connectivity to further the vision of shared prosperity.
“As lack of connectivity impedes regional trade, investment, and development, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a force multiplier for regional connectivity,” he continued. “Forty percent of the world’s population represents the SCO’s collective voice and aspirations.”
According to Jilani, The SCO business council could significantly promote economic and commercial cooperation.
He stated, “It may also foster investment in areas where both parties can benefit, and Pakistan plans to host a SCO businessmen’s conference early the following year.”
The minister stated that in the post-conflict environment, sustainable economic development could not be ensured in Afghanistan without enduring peace and stability.
“The re-establishment of the SCO Afghanistan contact group is imperative, as it can aid Afghan authorities in surmounting their economic obstacles and bolstering their counter-terrorism capabilities,” he stated.
Jilani further addressed environmental concerns in his discourse, asserting that catastrophes caused by climate change necessitated a concerted international effort.
“Pakistan intends to host a meeting during our chairmanship [of the SCO body] to discuss prevention and response to emergencies,” he further stated.
