Islamabad, Oct. 16, 2024 — Chinese Premier Li Qiang emphasized the need for deepening and expanding cooperation among member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) during the 23rd Meeting of the Council of Heads of Government held in Islamabad. He highlighted the SCO as a crucial platform for maintaining regional peace and stability while promoting the development and prosperity of its member countries.
During his remarks, Li referenced the consensus reached at the Astana Summit in July, where Chinese President Xi Jinping and other leaders agreed to work towards a common framework characterized by solidarity, mutual trust, peace, and economic development.
To realize this vision, Li proposed four key strategies for enhancing SCO cooperation:
- Strengthening Strategic Alignment: Li urged member states to develop a ten-year strategy for the SCO, improve strategic communication, and build mutual trust through dialogue.
- Expanding Practical Cooperation: He called for increased collaboration in areas such as poverty reduction, digital economy, and green development. Li also advocated for facilitating regional trade, maintaining stable supply chains, and establishing an SCO Development Bank.
- Addressing Major Risks: The Premier stressed the importance of joint efforts to combat security threats and drug-related issues, proposing the creation of a universal center to tackle these challenges.
- Enhancing People-to-People Exchanges: Li encouraged member states to strengthen cultural and educational ties through initiatives like the SCO digital education alliance and forums for friendship.
The meeting’s participants reiterated their commitment to the “Shanghai Spirit,” which emphasizes mutual respect, trust, and cooperation. They acknowledged the need for collective action in the face of a complex international landscape and called for synergy between the Belt and Road Initiative and the Eurasian Economic Union.
Li concluded the meeting by signing a joint communique with the participating leaders and approving resolutions aimed at advancing SCO development.
Notable attendees included Prime Ministers from Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and the Indian Foreign Minister, with the session chaired by Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.