Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar met senior Russian and Chinese leaders on Tuesday in Moscow. He attended the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Council of Heads of Government summit. The meeting took place under Russia’s rotating presidency. The summit followed the important Tianjin gathering held three months earlier. It also came at a crucial moment for Eurasian connectivity in a shifting global landscape.
During the summit, Dar met Russian President Vladimir Putin. He also interacted with several SCO heads of state and senior officials. The Foreign Office said in a post that Putin welcomed the leaders to Moscow. Putin stressed the need to strengthen regional economic cooperation under the SCO. He highlighted the organisation’s role in promoting stability and connectivity across the region.
China and Pakistan Reaffirm Strong Partnership
Dar later met Chinese Premier Li Qiang. Both sides reaffirmed the all-weather Pakistan-China strategic partnership. They reviewed bilateral and multilateral cooperation, especially within the SCO framework. They also praised the Shanghai Spirit principles guiding regional collaboration. The Foreign Office said both leaders exchanged views on major global issues. They agreed to maintain real-time engagement in the future.
Dar also met Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the summit. Both leaders reviewed the full spectrum of Pakistan-Russia relations. They focused on cooperation in energy, connectivity, agriculture, industry and education. Overchuk noted Pakistan’s potential as a transit and connectivity hub. Both sides also reaffirmed cooperation at bilateral and multilateral forums.
Focus on Disaster Management and Modernisation
Dar also met Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. Images showed both leaders greeting each other warmly. Earlier in the day, Dar addressed the summit. He said the SCO was well-placed to promote humanitarian cooperation across the region. He stressed that trade, economy and culture formed a strong foundation for future-oriented cooperation.
Dar highlighted the significance of the Tianjin summit. He said the organisation aimed to harness its collective potential through stronger economic integration. He emphasised improved infrastructure, expanded trade, and digital economic development. He noted Pakistan’s progress in disaster management. He said Pakistan was ready to hold simulation exercises with SCO states.
Dar urged the organisation to modernise its outreach. He proposed greater involvement of observer and partner states. He also supported the introduction of English as an SCO working language. He called for a translation unit to support this reform.
Pakistan Proposes Two Key Initiatives
Dar presented two major proposals for the SCO. He urged members to operationalise financial tools for regional trade. He also underscored the need to build human capital. He said youth empowerment remained essential for long-term regional progress.
Pakistan advocated a wider SCO university network. Dar said the expanded network should support applied research in key fields. These fields included information technology, artificial intelligence, agriculture and water management. He said joint research could address common challenges through shared expertise.
Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to a more interconnected SCO. He said every economic or cultural link should strengthen regional unity. He called for an SCO that fosters innovation and promotes collective success.
