Islamabad: The second day of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit commenced in Islamabad, Pakistan on Wednesday, with key discussions among leaders from member and observer nations.
The high-level talks, which began on Tuesday, were opened by Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at the Jinnah Convention Centre. Sharif warmly welcomed representatives from 10 member countries and 16 observer or dialogue partner nations, setting the stage for important discussions on trade, regional security, and cooperation.
Key focus of SCO Summit
The SCO summit is focused on enhancing economic ties, regional cooperation, combating terrorism, addressing environmental challenges, and building socio-cultural connections between the member states. According to Pakistan’s Foreign Office, key agreements on trade, the economy and regional security are expected to be signed during the meetings.
Additionally, the summit will finalise the group’s budget for 2025, further strengthening collaboration within the SCO.
How Pakistan welcomes EAM S Jaishankar
India is represented at the summit by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, who arrived in Islamabad on Tuesday. This marks a significant moment, as it is the first time in nine years that an Indian minister has visited Pakistan.
Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif welcomed EAM Dr S Jaishankar at the venue of the SCO Summit in Islamabad.
EAM is in Pakistan to participate in the 23rd Meeting of SCO Council of Heads of Government. pic.twitter.com/zvVa1Pbxl9
— ANI (@ANI) October 16, 2024
The last visit by an Indian foreign minister was in 2015 when former EAM Sushma Swaraj attended talks in Pakistan. At that time, Jaishankar, who was the Foreign Secretary, had accompanied her. Swaraj, a prominent political figure, passed away in 2019.
Jaishankar’s was warmly welcomed upon his arrival in Pakistan. After the SCO session, the dignitaries will attend an official luncheon, following which Jaishankar is expected to return to India.
This story is being updated…
