ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has said that Pakistan attaches great importance to increasing regional ties and cooperation with member countries. Promoting regional cooperation and connectivity is essential for sustainable development.
Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif in his opening address at the 23rd Summit of Shanghai Cooperation Organization said that he is grateful for the arrival of the Prime Ministers and delegations of all the member countries. Pakistan attaches great importance to strengthening regional ties and cooperation with member countries.
He said that the SEO meeting will provide an opportunity to strengthen relations with member countries. It is an honor for Pakistan to host the Shanghai Cooperation Organization meeting.
Shahbaz Sharif said that regional cooperation and the promotion of linkages are necessary for sustainable development. We have to provide a better quality of life and facilities to the people. We must move forward together for economic development, stability, and prosperity.
He said that SCO countries account for 40 percent of the world’s population and the results of the meeting will be far-reaching for the region. We are facing change and evolution in the global scenario. The current situation calls for collective action and Pakistan is committed to promoting regional development, stability, and connectivity.
The Prime Minister said that a stable Afghanistan is very important for the development of the region and the international community should come forward to provide humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan. It has to be ensured that Afghan soil is not used for terrorism in neighboring countries.
He said that Pakistan is taking steps to establish peace in the region. And the Belt and Road is extremely important for regional development. Dealing with the threats due to climate change is also a challenge because not only Pakistan but other countries of the world are also affected by climate change.
Shahbaz Sharif said that efforts are necessary to increase trade ties. At the same time, there is a need for attention in the fields of tourism and green development. Peace, development, economic prosperity, and good relations in the region have to be moved forward. Resources must be used collectively to solve problems.
He said that no single country can deal with the region’s challenges alone. Pakistan and China are entering the second phase of the Economic Corridor.