Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Tianjin, China, on Saturday to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of State Meeting. The premier will also join commemorations in Beijing marking the 80th anniversary of China’s victory over Fascism in World War II.
During his three-day visit, Shehbaz is scheduled to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang, and other world leaders to enhance regional cooperation, strengthen multilateralism, and promote shared goals of peace and prosperity. He will also take part in a military parade in Beijing alongside global leaders.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) said the prime minister will interact with leading Chinese businessmen and address the Pakistan-China B2B Investment Conference to boost trade, investment, and economic ties. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, and Adviser to the Prime Minister Tariq Fatemi are accompanying him.
The SCO summit, set for August 31 to September 2, will be the 25th meeting of the Council of Heads of State and the largest since the bloc’s inception in 2001.
Leaders from across Central Asia, South Asia, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia—including Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian PM Narendra Modi—will participate. This year’s theme is “Upholding the Shanghai Spirit: SCO on the Move,” focusing on security, trade, connectivity, and long-term strategic cooperation.
The SCO, which began as a six-member security-focused forum, has expanded to 10 permanent members with 16 dialogue and observer states. Its role has grown to encompass economic, cultural, and military cooperation.
Deputy PM Ishaq Dar emphasized Pakistan’s all-weather strategic partnership with China, anchored in trust and aligned with initiatives like the Belt and Road. He noted the SCO’s growing importance in today’s multipolar world, especially in promoting regional stability, multilateralism, and inclusive growth.
Meanwhile, Indian PM Modi also arrived in Tianjin for his first China visit in seven years to attend the summit and meet President Xi.
