Goa, 5 May 2023, (GNP): The Foreign Minister of Pakistan, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, stressed the importance of combating fascism and historical revisionism that lead to violent ultra-nationalism worldwide during the Shangai Cooperation Organization(SCO) Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) in Goa India.
He emphasized that it is a shared responsibility to fight against these destructive forces. Amidst geopolitical uncertainty, the SCO has become an important platform for fostering mutual understanding.
Bhutto highlighted Pakistan’s commitment to promoting multilateralism and regional peace. He emphasized the need for joint efforts among SCO countries to combat terrorism and address its underlying causes. He also stressed the importance of avoiding the use of terrorism as a diplomatic tool and urged against politicizing the issue.
During his keynote address, Bhutto emphasized the significance of having a peaceful and stable Afghanistan, stating that its stability is crucial not just for regional integration and economic cooperation but also for worldwide peace and stability.
Also Read: Statement by Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto during the SCO Meeting in India
He also highlighted the potential for increased collaboration and regional unification, stating that when powerful nations act as mediators for peace, it can create opportunities for economic growth and benefit the people.
During the SCO-CFM meeting, a meeting was held between Bilawal Bhutto and the Secretary-General of the SCO. They had a productive discussion regarding crucial matters related to the organization’s ongoing activities and its future development, including the reform process.
He expressed his complete support for the Secretary-General in fulfilling their mandate and realizing the vision of the SCO leadership.
During a meeting with the Foreign Minister of Kyrgyzstan, Zheenbek Kulubaev, they discussed plans to enhance cooperation between Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan in various areas, including trade and investment, connectivity, energy, education, science, and technology.
Also Read: Foreign Ministers of Pakistan and Kyrgyz Republic met on sidelines of SCO
They also expressed their commitment to fostering this bilateral cooperation in line with the principles of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.
Foreign Minister Bilawal also met his counterpart Foreign Minister of Tajikistan, Sirodjiddin Mukhriddin to discuss bilateral economic cooperation and connectivity. They showed dedication to realizing the significant potential of economic collaboration between the two countries.
He expressed his pleasure at meeting with the Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation, Sergey Lavrov, during the meeting. They reiterated their support for the SCO and their commitment to strengthening dialogue and engagement in multifaceted bilateral cooperation with Russia.
The SCO is a regional organization that encompasses political, economic, international security, and defense aspects in Eurasia. It has the most extensive geographic coverage and the largest population among regional organizations worldwide, encompassing around 60% of Eurasia’s landmass and 40% of the global population.
The SCO was established on June 15, 2001, in Shanghai and its member countries include Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan Uzbekistan, and India. Iran has become a new member on September 15, 2022.
