Pakistan Hosts Key Meeting of Shanghai Cooperation Organization Led by China and Russia
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization, led by China and Russia, convened in Islamabad, Pakistan, for discussions focused on enhancing economic and security ties among its ten members. The meeting, attended by high-level diplomats including the premiers of China and Russia, as well as India’s foreign minister, signifies a pivotal effort to strengthen cooperation amidst historical tensions, particularly between India and Pakistan.
A significant international forum comprising members led by China and Russia convened in Pakistan this week. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), perceived primarily as an initiative to challenge the geopolitical influence of the West, commenced its main session on Wednesday in Islamabad. Founded in 2001, the SCO currently comprises ten member states, including Iran, India, Pakistan, as well as the Central Asian nations of Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan. Belarus, a close ally of Russia, became a formal member of the organization in July. The assembly sees high-level representation with prominent delegates such as Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin in attendance. Notably, India’s External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar also participated, marking the first visit by an Indian foreign minister to Pakistan in nearly ten years. This engagement is significant given the historical tensions between the two neighboring countries. Discussions among the SCO members are centered on enhancing economic and security collaborations, reflecting the organization’s strategic priorities in the current geopolitical landscape.
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization is a regional intergovernmental organization that fosters political, economic, and military cooperation among its member states. Established in 2001, its formation was largely influenced by a desire to counterbalance Western influence in global affairs. Over the years, the SCO has expanded its membership and deepened its scope of collaboration, particularly in the areas of security cooperation against extremism, terrorism, and drug trafficking, alongside economic integration and cultural exchanges. The recent meeting in Pakistan serves as a crucial point for assessing the organization’s role amidst shifting global dynamics and regional challenges.
The gathering of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in Pakistan highlights the ongoing commitment of its members to strengthen ties in economic and security matters. The presence of high-ranking officials from China, Russia, and India underscores the significance of these discussions, particularly in the context of strained relations between India and Pakistan. The SCO’s focus on collaboration may serve as a countermeasure to Western geopolitical pressures and may play a pivotal role in shaping the future landscape of international relations in the region.
Original Source: www3.nhk.or.jp
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