Pakistan Rupee Exchange Rate
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan can act as a natural partner with Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) for promoting connectivity, trade, and economic cooperation in the region.
This was stated by Ambassador (retd) Babar Amin, Pakistan first-ever National Coordinator for SCO while speaking at a roundtable titled, “Shanghai Cooperation Organization: Pakistan Policy, Priorities and Opportunities.”
The discussion was organised by China-Pakistan Study Centre (CPSC) at the Institute of Strategic Studies (ISSI).
Ambassador Babar Amin, in his keynote address, outlined Pakistan’s strategic objectives within the organisation.
He highlighted Pakistan efforts to strengthen bilateral relations with Russia through the SCO platform and emphasized the importance of connectivity and infrastructure development, particularly in addressing energy crises.
He noted that Pakistan can act as a natural partner with SCO for promoting connectivity, trade, and economic cooperation in the region.
He said that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) aligns naturally with goals of SCO for regional connectivity and promotion of trade.
He said that Pakistan can also assist SCO member countries in the area of security cooperation due to its extensive counter-terrorism experience and collaboration with the RATS (Regional Anti Terrorism Structure) mechanism of SCO.
He added that by actively participating in SCO meetings and initiatives, Pakistan aims to strengthen its historical ties with Central Asia and further solidify its comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership with China.
He said that the key strategic priorities for Pakistan within the SCO include establishing itself as a credible partner, particularly in contrast to India’s selective engagement and perceived alignment with Western preferences.
He said that Pakistan seeks to enhance non-traditional security cooperation through the RATS mechanism within the SCO, fostering collaboration on defense and security matters. Additionally, SCO platforms provide opportunities for constructive engagement with India, presenting avenues for future bilateral meetings and dialogue on the sidelines.
The roundtable provided valuable insights into Pakistan’s upcoming pivotal role in the SCO in the run-up to Council of Heads of Government (CHG) summit to be hosted by Pakistan as well as its vision for regional cooperation and economic integration.
