Islamabad : SCO Secretary General Nurlan Yermekbayev has said that projects like CPEC symbolise Pakistan’s growing importance in SCO connectivity initiatives.
Mr Yermekbayev was delivering Distinguished Lecture on “The SCO’s role in changing global order” organised here by Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI). The Secretary General emphasised Pakistan’s strategic location as a natural bridge between South Asia, Central Asia, Middle East and a gateway for landlocked states to access global markets. He further underscored Pakistan’s leadership in combating terrorism and efforts for regional stability. The Secretary General also emphasized Pakistan’s potential in promoting sustainable development, digital innovation and climate resilience. He reaffirmed SCO’s commitment to a peaceful, prosperous and cooperative Eurasian future. He reaffirmed the SCO’s resolve to build a just, democratic, and multipolar world
He highlighted SCO’s progress in a transforming world and lauded Pakistan’s pivotal role in regional peace, stability, connectivity and development. He emphasised the SCO’s growing relevance as a platform for peace, security and inclusive development amid evolving geopolitical realities. Highlighting the "Shanghai Spirit" rooted in mutual trust, mutual benefit, consultation, respect for diversity and joint development, he reiterated the SCO’s commitment to non-alignment and openness. He praised Pakistan’s active and constructive role in the SCO since becoming a full member in 2017, noting its vital contributions in areas including counterterrorism under RATS, regional connectivity, people-to-people engagement and cultural diplomacy.
DG ISSI Sohail Mahmood highlighted the SCO's evolution into one of the world’s most comprehensive and dynamic multilateral platforms. He noted the organisation’s vast footprint, encompassing nearly half of the global population and contributing 25% of global GDP. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s strong commitment to the SCO’s principles and objectives, particularly its advocacy for regional connectivity, economic development and people-centric cooperation. He emphasized Pakistan’s honour in hosting the SCO Council of Heads of Government (CHG) in 2024 and the upcoming Council of Heads of State (CHS) Summit in 2027, viewing these as key opportunities to deepen collaboration and advance SCO’s goals. He concluded by emphasizing the importance of lending full support to the Secretary General in guiding the SCO’s evolution as a pillar of peace, stability and inclusive progress in a changing global order. Earlier, in his introductory remarks, Dr Talat Shabbir, Director, ISSI, emphasised the significance of the SCO highlighting Pakistan’s strong commitment.