Tag: SCO SUMMIT

Categories
-Top News Asia News India News

23rd SCO meet at Islamabad to focus on trade

Foreign ministers and officials from Turkmenistan, attending as special guests, will also be part of the meeting, while Mongolia’s Prime Minister Oyun-Erdene Luvsannamsrai will attend as an observer…reports Asian Lite News

Islamabad hosts the 23rd Meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of Government (CHG) today. Chaired by Pakistan, the meeting will primarily focus on strengthening trade and economic cooperation among member states.

“The 23rd Meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of Government (CHG) will be held on 16 October 2024 in Islamabad under the chairmanship of Pakistan. The SCO CHG meeting is held annually and focusses on the trade and economic agenda of the organisation,” the MEA said.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will lead the Indian delegation at the 23rd Meeting of the SCO.
“India remains actively engaged in the SCO format, including various mechanisms and initiatives within the SCO framework,” the release added.

Jaishankar previously clarified that his visit to Islamabad is solely for attending the multilateral SCO Summit, not to address bilateral relations between India and Pakistan. He reiterated that his presence is in line with India’s active engagement as a member of the SCO.

According to a statement from the Pakistan Foreign Office, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will chair the upcoming CHG meeting.

The summit will be chaired by Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Other attendees will include Chinese Premier Li Qiang, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, Belarusian Prime Minister Roman Golovchenko, and the heads of government from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Iran will be represented by First Vice President Mohammad Mokhber.

Foreign ministers and officials from Turkmenistan, attending as special guests, will also be part of the meeting, while Mongolia’s Prime Minister Oyun-Erdene Luvsannamsrai will attend as an observer.

The SCO, established in 2001 in Shanghai, aims to enhance cooperation in areas like trade, economy, science, technology, and regional security among its member states. Member countries include India, Pakistan, China, Iran, and Russia, with other dialogue partners such as Bahrain, Egypt, Qatar, and the UAE. (ANI)

Pakistan locks down capital for summit

In response to recent terror attacks, Pakistani authorities have heightened security in the capital, Islamabad, as senior officials from several nations arrive for an Asian security group meeting. A three-day holiday began on Monday in Islamabad and nearby Rawalpindi, with the government deploying troops and blocking key roads, causing disruptions for medical staff and ambulances.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met on Tuesday with leaders attending the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) meeting, founded in 2001 by China and Russia to counter Western alliances. The main agenda on Wednesday includes discussions on security cooperation and economic ties among members, including Iran, India, Pakistan, and Central Asian nations.

The heightened security follows several recent terrorist attacks in Pakistan’s northwestern and southwestern regions bordering Afghanistan, where militants have killed dozens. While Pakistani authorities often blame the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) for the violence, Afghanistan’s Taliban government denies allowing its soil to be used for attacks.

Additionally, two Chinese engineers were killed in a suicide bombing in Karachi on October 6, an attack claimed by a separatist group.

ALSO READ: Sitharaman to visit Mexico, US for key engagements

Categories
-Top News Asia News Politics

No unauthorised protests during SCO Summit, rules Islamabad HC

This comes amid the ongoing protests by Pakistan Tehreek-I-Insaaf (PTI) against the government in Islamabad and Lahore…reports Asian Lite News

The Islamabad High Court ruled that no unauthorised protests or gatherings will be allowed in the capital city during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit scheduled to be held on October 15 and 16, ARY News reported on Saturday.

According to ARY News, the High Court bench comprising Chief Justice Aamer Farooq issued a written order on a plea filed by traders, ruling that no lockdown should also be made during the SCO summit.

This comes amid the ongoing protests by Pakistan Tehreek-I-Insaaf (PTI) against the government in Islamabad and Lahore.

The HC directed the Islamabad administration and government to allocate a designated area for protests. “The protesters must gather in the area specified by the administration to record their protest,” ARY News quoted the ruling.

While acknowledging Articles 16 and 17 of the Pakistani Constitution, which guarantee the right to assembly and movement, the HC stressed that these rights are subject to reasonable restrictions, ARY News reported. The IHC directed authorities to take necessary measures to maintain peace in Islamabad.

As per ARY News, the court was told that the activists of a political party are marching towards the red zone, which would freeze the movement of other citizens. The order read that the court was informed that the army has been deployed under Article 245 to ensure security while Section 144 is also imposed, ARY News reported.

Earlier on Saturday, Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi claimed that 11 officers from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police and 120 Afghan nationals were among the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protesters arrested in Islamabad, ARY News reported.

According to ARY News, Naqvi said that 564 people were arrested during the crackdown, including 11 Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police officers who were reportedly involved in the protest.

Former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s party Pakistan Tehreek-I-Insaaf (PTI) has been staging protests against the government in Islamabad and Lahore. PTI gave a fresh call for nationwide protests on October 1, starting in Islamabad, to ensure the independence of the judiciary, as reported by Dawn. (ANI)

ALSO READ: Biden Says Israel Should Explore Alternatives To Attacking Iran Oil Sites

Categories
-Top News Asia News PAKISTAN

Pak Army Steps In Amid Street Unrest In Islamabad Ahead Of SCO Summit

With the SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organisation) summit scheduled to be held in Islamabad on October 15-16 coupled with the fast aggravating security situation on the ground, the Federal Ministry of Interior has ordered handing over the security of the capital to the Pakistan Army, reports Hamza Ameer

Amid the fast-changing security situation on the ground in Islamabad with violent protests, clashes, arrests, cellular services and internet blockades; the government of Pakistan has decided to hand over the security of the capital to the Pakistan Army units officially.

Pakistan’s capital Islamabad and its twin city Rawalpindi, along with the connecting route between Punjab province, Federal Capital Islamabad and the Khyber Pukhtunkhwa (KP) province, have become battlefields between supporters of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and the security forces throughout Friday and is expected to continue through the weekend as well.

With the SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organisation) summit scheduled to be held in Islamabad on October 15-16 coupled with the fast aggravating security situation on the ground with fierce clashes being reported amid PTI’s call for protest at D-Chowk in Islamabad on October 4, the Federal Ministry of Interior has ordered handing over the security of the capital to the Pakistan Army.

The orders have been issued under Article 245 of the Constitution, which states “The Armed Forces shall, under the directions of the Federal Government, defend Pakistan against external aggression or threat of war, and, subject to law, act in aid to civil power when called upon to do so”.

After directives from the ministry, army units have taken over security duties in Islamabad — a move by the government to maintain law and order amid escalating PTI protests in the capital.

Official sources confirmed that the capital has been handed over to the armed forces from October 4 till October 17. The role of the armed forces includes patrolling at key locations to safeguard citizens and public property. This would also now include ensuring security protocols during the SCO summit, where dignitaries from member states will be landing in Pakistan.

Pertinent to note that External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will be leading India’s delegation and travelling to Islamabad for the summit also, making the event even more important, critical and crucial.

But on the ground, the security situation amid PTI-led protests resulting in violent clashes with the police authorities has made the political situation extremely sensitive for the government and has spread confusion about probable outcomes, which may be witnessed in the coming hours in the country.

“I am very worried about how the military establishment and the government have decided to handle this situation. They have called in the army to take control of the capital for 17 long days. They have applied Article 245, which means that they are referring to a political party PTI as either an external force which threatens war against the state. This is dangerous…,” said senior analyst Najam Sethi.

“Keeping in view the current situation… where you have KP CM Ali Amin Gandapur with his barrage of people, armed with weapons and threatening to breach through the blockades to reach Islamabad… he is confronted with the army now. And god forbid, if a gunshot is fired in these days, by any of his angry protestors who have been difficult to control as we have seen in the recent past, the situation may go completely out of hand and end up in a disaster,” added Sethi.

It would not be wrong to maintain that deployment of armed forces in the capital basically put the military establishment and former premier and currently incarcerated Imran Khan’s PTI directly standing against each other. Any wrong move now, from the military establishment or PTI, may just be the final showdown that would push the country into anarchy and chaos.

While the suspicions and stakes remain high with all eyes stuck on the ticking clock, the next 24 to 48 hours have become highly critical.

However, for others, especially with a close watch on the developing situation — the matter will not be allowed to escalate, while the prime demand of PTI, seeking engagement between imprisoned Imran Khan and the military establishment, may also not be entertained.

“The military establishment has maintained what it had been stating in the past. There can be no talks with Imran Khan — not after what he and his party did on 9th May 2023. It will remain the same. Even this current tactic to create pressure and spread riots to force the military establishment to reconsider engagement with Imran Khan is not going to be entertained,” said a reliable source on the condition of anonymity.

“Ali Amin Gandapur and his people violently protesting at the edge of KP, are not left with too many options and are seeking help from the military establishment to retreat. He has the army standing in front of him, and the armed forces have also been called in from his province KP, who have maintained their positions close to the Burhan interchange. So Gandaur is trapped in his own misadventure,” he added.

The source said that the doors of the military establishment will remain shut for Imran Khan as they have been in the past. And his loudest voice Gandapur will have a decision to make for himself and his provincial government.

“KP CM Gandapur is leading a group of people, who are armed, who are ready to kill or be killed, who have said that they would use their weapons to fight and remove the blockades to enter into the capital, which is now controlled by the Pakistan armed forces. It’s a recipe for his own crash. Any wrong move and he will have terrorism cases against him, a change of command in his province with a governor rule imposed and an end to his political party PTI, which is left with Gandapur only as their voice. Imran Khan also supports Gandapur, so as the ship falls, so will the man behind the bars as his pressure tactics will fail yet again,” the source said.

While the claims made by the source are based on expected outcomes, the ground situation in Pakistan remains extremely tense and is expected to retain is sensitivity for at least the next 48 hours.

ALSO READ: LEBANON SEEKS UN HELP

Categories
-Top News Arab News UAE News

UAE commits to partnerships at SCO Summit

The Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah hailed the summit as a way for a new era of cooperation among the member countries, covering various fields to advance common interests that serve people….reports Asian Lite News

UAE is committed to strengthening its partnerships and building bridges of cooperation and friendship with countries worldwide, said H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit.

On behalf of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi yesterday participated in the SCO Summit, being held in the capital of Kazakhstan, Astana, as the head of the UAE delegation.

Taking place on 3rd and 4th July under the theme “Strengthening Multilateral Dialogue – Striving Towards a Sustainable Peace and Prosperity”, the summit saw the participation of heads of state and government of Member States, as well as representatives of regional and international organisations.

The UAE’s participation in the summit comes after it was officially granted “Dialogue Partner” status in the SCO during the organisation’s meetings last year in India.

The Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah affirmed that the UAE, under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, is committed to strengthening its partnerships and building bridges of cooperation and friendship with countries worldwide around mutual respect and across all vital sectors, including economic, trade, political, cultural, energy, and technological fields.

This approach, he explained, stems from the UAE’s grasp of the role international cooperation plays in driving development, boosting the prospects for accelerating economic growth to ensure a more prosperous and sustainable future for all peoples of the world.

In his speech during the summit, H.H. Sheikh Saud stated that the UAE’s participation in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit exemplifies its steadfast commitment to promoting multilateral international work, emphasising the important role of the SCO in enhancing cooperation among Member States to achieve common goals.

The UAE, he said, adopts a broad-minded approach to economic partnerships, foreign trade, and investment, and it is currently working with various partners to drive international cooperation, steering it towards the most pressing issues and priorities on the global agenda.

The Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah went on to explain that the summit is paving the way for a new era of cooperation among the organisation’s member countries, covering various fields to advance common interests that serve their peoples.

H.H. Sheikh Saud reiterated the UAE’s call for an immediate and lasting ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, ensuring the swift, urgent, and intensified delivery of humanitarian aid, highlighting the need to identify a clear path and achieve just and lasting peace based on the two-state solution to ensure the Palestinian people their right to establish an independent and sovereign Palestinian state.

The SCO Summit kicked off with a keynote by the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, during which he highlighted the SCO’s objectives and principles, which include boosting solidarity and cooperation between Member States. He also presented development-related recommendations aimed at bolstering relations between member countries across political, trade, economic and security fields.

Several heads of state and leaders of international organisations also delivered speeches during the summit, touching on a number of regional and global issues, and ways to enhance the comprehensive partnership among SCO members, which, they affirmed, would help maintain peace and security and accelerate development in the region.

H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi was accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising Suhail bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure; Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy; Ahmed bin Ali Al Sayegh, Minister of State; Mohammed Saeed Al Ariqi, UAE Ambassador to Kazakhstan; and a number of officials.

ALSO READ: UPI Payments Now Available in UAE

Categories
-Top News Asia News India News

India Flags Cross-Border Terrorism at SCO Summit

Prime Minister Modi also urged to take “proactive steps” to prevent the spread of radicalisation among the youth…reports Asian Lite News

Reminding the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) of one of its “original goals”, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday stated that cross-border terrorism requires a “decisive response” from the grouping which must “naturally” give priority to combating terrorism and respecting territorial integrity in the region.

PM Modi’s remarks, delivered by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar at the 24th meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of State in Kazakhstan’s Astana, assume significance as the gathering of leaders physically attending the summit also included Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

“Many of us have had our experiences, often originating beyond our borders. Let us be clear that if left unchecked, it can become a major threat to regional and global peace. Terrorism in any form or manifestation cannot be justified or condoned,” EAM Jaishankar, who is leading the Indian delegation at the Summit, mentioned while delivering PM Modi’s remarks.

“International community must isolate and expose those countries that harbour terrorists, provide safe havens and condone terrorism. Cross-border terrorism requires a decisive response and terrorism financing and recruitment must be resolutely countered,” PM Modi added in his message to the SCO community which represents approximately 40 per cent of the world’s population and nearly one-third of the global economy.

Prime Minister Modi also urged to take “proactive steps” to prevent the spread of radicalisation among the youth while highlighting the shared commitment agreed upon by the member states in the Joint Statement issued during India’s SCO Presidency last year.

He said that the meeting was taking place in the backdrop of pandemic impact, ongoing conflicts, rising tensions, trust deficits and increasing number of hotspots around the world – events which have put significant strain on international relations and global economic growth.

“At this time, it is particularly noteworthy that we are reiterating mutual respect for sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity, equality, mutual benefit, non-interference in internal affairs, non-use of force or threat of use of force as a basis for our foreign policies. We have also agreed not to take any measures contrary to the principles of state sovereignty and territorial integrity,” PM Modi underlined in his remarks.

The gathering of the leaders, he said, is aimed at finding common ground to mitigate the consequences of these developments.

While congratulating Iran and Belarus, the new members of the organisation, PM Modi said that the SCO occupies a prominent place in India’s foreign policy.

Prime Minister Modi, in his remarks, also focused on working towards achieving committed reduction in emissions and having robust connectivity for economic development.

“Respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity is essential for connectivity and infrastructure projects. So too are non-discriminatory trade rights and transit regimes. The SCO needs to deliberate seriously on these aspects,” he stated.

He also spotlighted India’s commitment to ‘AI for All’ while insisting that the 21st century is the century of technology.

“We have to make technology creative and apply it to the welfare and progress of our societies. India is among the countries to formulate a National Strategy on Artificial Intelligence and the launch of an AI Mission,” PM’s remarks mentioned.

India’s priorities at the SCO Summit have been shaped by PM Modi’s vision of SECURE, which stands for Security, Economic development, Connectivity, Unity, Respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, and Environmental protection.

The principle of SECURE reflected the theme of India’s first-ever presidency of SCO, as was asserted by PM Modi during the virtual SCO Summit hosted by New Delhi on July 4, last year.

ALSO READ: Astana Hosts SCO Summit

Categories
-Top News World World News

Astana Hosts SCO Summit

The summit began with an official ceremony where all relevant documents for the country’s membership were signed…reports Asian Lite News

The 24th Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) kicked off on Thursday in Astana, with Belarus officially becoming a member of the association.

The summit began with an official ceremony where all relevant documents for the country’s membership were signed, reports Xinhua news agency.

“Dear heads of state, a decision on the full membership of the Republic of Belarus in the SCO has been made,” Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev announced, congratulating Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko.

Lukashenko, in turn, noted that Minsk will strive to expand the SCO’s influence and broaden its circle of allies and supporters.

The SCO summit is currently being held in Astana, with attendance by China, Russia, Kazakhstan, India, Iran, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Belarus, Mongolia, Azerbaijan, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey and Turkmenistan, and the SCO Secretary-General and the Executive Director of the SCO Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure.

ALSO READ: RAK Ruler leads UAE delegation at SCO Summit

Categories
-Top News Arab News UAE News

RAK Ruler leads UAE delegation at SCO Summit

Kazakhstan is hosting the two-day summit under the theme: “Strengthening multilateral dialogue – the pursuit of sustainable peace and development’’, from 3rd to 4th July….reports Asian Lite News

On behalf of UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, arrived in Astana, capital of Kazakhstan, leading the UAE delegation to the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit.

Kazakhstan is hosting the two-day summit under the theme: “Strengthening multilateral dialogue – the pursuit of sustainable peace and development’’, from 3rd to 4th July.
Heads of state and government of Member States, as well as representatives of regional and international organisations will participate in the summit.

The UAE’s participation in the summit comes after it was officially granted “Dialogue Partner” status in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) during the organization’s meetings last year in India.

H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi is accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure; Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy; Ahmed bin Ali Al Sayegh, Minister of State; and a number of officials.

Upon arrival at Astana International Airport, H.H. was welcomed by Zhaslan Madiyev, Kazakh Minister of Digital Development, Innovations and Aerospace Industry; Mohamed Saeed Alariqi, UAE Ambassador to Kazakhstan; and several government officials.

Established on June 15, 2001 as a permanent intergovernmental international organisation, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation aims to strengthen mutual trust, friendship and good-neighborliness between the Member States; encourage the effective cooperation between the Member States in such spheres as politics, trade, economy, science and technology, culture, education, energy, transport, tourism, environmental protection, etc; and jointly ensure and maintain peace, security and stability in the region.

ALSO READ: Ahmed wins UAE’s Arab Reading Challenge

Categories
-Top News India News World News

EAM Jaishankar Pays Tribute to Mahatma Gandhi in Astana

Jaishankar, in his meeting with Lavrov, raised “strong concern about Indian nationals” currently in the war zone in Russia….reports Asian Lite News

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar visited Pushkin Park in Astana on Wednesday, where he paid tribute to the statue of Mahatma Gandhi accompanied by members of the Indian community following his arrival to represent India at the SCO Summit on July 4.

Jaishanark shared the pictures on X, of him and the Indian delegations paying tribute to the statue of Mahatma Gandhi.

“Paid homage at the statue of Mahatma Gandhi in Pushkin Park in Astana today. Joined by members of the Indian community and friends of India,” EAM wrote on X.

Earlier in the day, Jaishankar met Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Heads of State Council meeting.

Jaishankar, in his meeting with Lavrov, raised “strong concern about Indian nationals” currently in the war zone in Russia.

“Good to meet Russian FM Sergey Lavrov in Astana today. Wide-ranging conversation on our bilateral partnership and contemporary issues.

Noted the progress in many areas since our last meeting in December 2023,” Jaishankar wrote in a post on X.”Raised our strong concern on Indian nationals who are currently in the war zone. Pressed for their safe and expeditious return,” he underlined.

On Tuesday, Jaishankar arrived in Astana to represent India at the SCO Summit, which is being held under Kazakhstan’s chairmanship.

The EAM was welcomed by Kazakhstan Deputy Foreign Minister Alibek Bakayev at the airport.

“EAM @DrSJaishankar reached Astana to represent PM @narendramodi at the SCO Summit from July 3-4, 2024. On arrival, EAM was welcomed by Kazakhstan’s Deputy Foreign Minister @AlibekBakayev,” the Indian Embassy in Kazakhstan posted on X.

Jaishankar also met with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan Murat Nurtleu in Astana on Tuesday and discussed expanding strategic partnership and India’s increasing engagement with Central Asia.

Jaishankar thanked the deputy prime minister for the hospitality and arrangements for the SCO Council of Heads of State Summit.

The two ministers further exchanged views on regional and global issues.

“Delighted to meet DPM & FM Murat Nurtleu of Kazakhstan in Astana today. Thanked him for the hospitality and arrangements for the SCO Council of Heads of State Summit. Discussed our expanding Strategic Partnership and India’s increasing engagement with Central Asia in various formats. Also exchanged views on regional and global issues,” EAM Jaishankar said in a post on X.

Jaishankar is leading the Indian delegation at the summit. The SCO Summit will be held on July 3-4.

The 24th Meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of State (SCO Summit) will be held under the presidency of Kazakhstan on July 4. (ANI)

ALSO READ: Jaishankar, Nurtleu discuss India’s deepening ties with Central Asia

Categories
-Top News India News World News

India’s ‘SECURE’ Agenda at SCO Summit

The SECURE principle was emphasized as the central theme of India’s inaugural presidency of the SCO, as highlighted by PM Modi during the virtual SCO Summit held in New Delhi on July 4th last year…reports Asian Lite News

India on Tuesday said that its priorities at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit being held in Astana this week under the presidency of Kazakhstan are shaped by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of SECURE, which stands for Security, Economic development, Connectivity, Unity, Respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, and Environmental protection.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will lead the Indian delegation at the 24th meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of State which will be held on Thursday.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said that the leaders attending the summit are expected to review the organisation’s activities over the past two decades and discuss the state and prospects of multilateral cooperation.

Topical issues of regional and international importance are also expected to be discussed at the meeting.

The principle of SECURE reflected the theme of India’s first-ever presidency of SCO, as was asserted by PM Modi during the virtual SCO Summit hosted by New Delhi on July 4, last year.

More than 140 programmes, conferences, and meetings within the SCO were held and five new pillars of cooperation within the SCO – Startups and Innovation; Traditional Medicine; Youth Empowerment; Digital Inclusion, and Shared Buddhist Heritage – established under India’s chairmanship.

It was also under India’s presidency that Iran joined the SCO family as a new member and the signing of the Memorandum of Obligation for Belarus’ SCO membership took place.

“The SCO represents approximately 40 per cent of the world’s population and nearly one-third of the global economy. Therefore, it is our shared responsibility to understand each other’s needs and sensitivities. To resolve all challenges through better cooperation and coordination, and make constant efforts for the well-being of our people,” PM Modi had remarked at the 23rd SCO Summit, last July.

ALSO READ: India enhancing Eurasian ties through SCO

Categories
-Top News Asia News World News

Jaishankar to Lead India at SCO Summit

ANI_20240403037

Kazakhstan took over the SCO presidency from India, which was the president last year. …reports Asian Lite News

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will lead the Indian delegation at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit next week, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced on Friday.

The SCO summit will take place from July 3-4 in Astana, the capital city of Kazakhstan.

“The External affairs minister will be leading our delegation there,” MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said during a weekly briefing here.

Kazakhstan took over the SCO presidency from India, which was the president last year. India hosted the SCO summit virtually in July 2023. This year’s host is Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, who has proposed, among other initiatives, the establishment of a joint investment fund.

In a telephonic conversation with the Kazakhstan President on June 25, Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed his full support for the success of the upcoming summit in Astana. During the conversation, the two leaders also reiterated their commitment to continue to work together to advance bilateral strategic partnerships.

The Prime Minister expressed confidence that Kazakhstan’s leadership would greatly contribute to the furtherance of regional cooperation.

“Had a good conversation with President of Kazakhstan H.E. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. Thanked him for warm wishes on the success in the elections,” PM Modi wrote in a post on X.

“Reiterated the commitment to advance our Strategic Partnership with Kazakhstan. Conveyed India’s full support for the success of the upcoming SCO Summit,” he added.

During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020-2021, the SCO summits were held virtually.

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) is a political, economic, and security group that was established in 2001. The current members of the SCO are China, Russia, India, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Iran became a full member in 2023, under the Indian Presidency of the grouping. Belarus is an observer state and is next in line to gain full membership.

The SCO is focused on regional security, counter-terrorism, and economic cooperation among its member states. The organisation covers over 60 per cent of the Eurasian landmass, 40 per cent of the world population, and 30 per cent of global GDP. (ANI)

ALSO READ: Economic Crisis Grips Pakistan with No Exit