Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has been invited to participate in the 23rd Meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation’s (SCO) Council of Heads of State (CHS), according to a press release issued by the Foreign Office (FO) on Friday. The CHS, which is the highest forum of the SCO, will be held in a videoconference format on July 4.
The invitation was extended by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who currently chairs the SCO. The press release stated that Prime Minister Shehbaz’s attendance at the meeting highlights the importance that Pakistan places on the SCO as a forum for regional security and prosperity, as well as enhanced engagement with the region.
During the CHS, leaders will discuss important global and regional issues and determine the future direction of cooperation among SCO member states. This year, the CHS will also welcome Iran as a new member of the SCO.
Last month, Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari visited the Indian city of Goa to attend the SCO’s Council of Foreign Ministers meeting. He later expressed his positive view on participating in the event, stating that it was a productive decision in terms of addressing the Kashmir issue, bilateral issues between Pakistan and India, and the responsibilities of multilateralism.
Prime Minister Shehbaz’s participation in the SCO-CHS signifies Pakistan’s commitment to the SCO and its goal of promoting regional security, prosperity, and cooperation. The meeting will provide an opportunity for leaders to strengthen ties and discuss strategies for addressing the challenges facing the region.