Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar held a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping during a joint engagement with the foreign ministers of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member states on the sidelines of the SCO summit in Beijing. This high-level meeting, convened under China’s presidency of the regional bloc, aimed to bolster regional cooperation among its members.
President Xi, in his address, extended a welcome to the visiting delegates and underscored the significance of advancing multilateralism and security within the SCO framework, which encompasses the world’s largest population bloc across the Eurasian region. Mr. Dar is currently leading the Pakistani delegation at the SCO Council of Foreign Ministers’ meeting in Tianjin. Upon his arrival in the Chinese capital, he was greeted at Beijing International Airport by senior Chinese foreign ministry officials, including Ms. Yu Hong from the Department of Asian Affairs, and Pakistan’s Ambassador to China, Khalilur Rehman Hashmi.
In alignment with this year’s SCO theme, “Upholding the Shanghai Spirit: SCO in Action,” the summit discussions centered on collective regional security, economic integration, and counterterrorism initiatives. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization, established in 2001, includes China, Russia, Pakistan, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Belarus. It also houses the Regional Anti-Terrorism Structure (RATS), a pivotal body for regional security coordination.
According to the Foreign Office, the Deputy Prime Minister emphasized Pakistan’s steadfast commitment to regional peace and connectivity, reiterating Islamabad’s full support for all SCO-led initiatives that promote stability and economic growth.
Phone Call with UN Secretary-General
Separately, during his visit, Mr. Dar received a telephone call from United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres. The two leaders discussed Pakistan’s current presidency of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
During the call, Mr. Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s dedication to global peace, multilateral diplomacy, and the peaceful resolution of international disputes. He provided the Secretary-General with a briefing on the key initiatives Pakistan plans to undertake during its presidency to further these crucial goals. Both leaders agreed to convene further meetings and maintain close engagement during UNSC-related events scheduled in New York next week. Mr. Dar also assured continued support to the UN and its operational staff, expressing appreciation for the organization’s global mandate and its vital work in conflict resolution and humanitarian efforts.
