ISLAMABAD (APP) - The 23rd meeting of the Council of Heads of Government (CHG) of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) on Wednesday concluded here, marking a significant step towards enhanced collaboration among member states.
In his closing remarks, PM Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif announced to transfer the Chairmanship of CHG of SCO members states to the Russian Federation, extending his gratitude to PM of Russia Mikhail Mishustin on assuming the chairmanship.
He said the next meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of Governments would take place in 2025 in Russia. “This council congratulate the Prime Minister of Russia Mikhail Mishustin, and expresses its readiness to fully support the Russian chair,” he added.
PM Shehbaz reaffirming Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to the common goals and objectives of SCO, stressed to prioritize collaboration over political differences and decisions.
“Let us prioritise collaboration over political differences and decisions, build on our achievements, address the shared challenges, and work hand in hand to ensure that the SCO remains a beacon of stability, development and mutual benefits for our peoples,” he added.
Condemning the Israeli aggression in Gaza, the prime minister said “We cannot ignore the ongoing genocide in Gaza, the international community bears the responsibility to ensure an immediate and unconditional ceasefire leading to the establishment of state of Palestine on the basis of pre-1967 borders with Al-Quds as its capital”.
The heads of governments of member states signed the documents of joint declaration of the meeting, which include the joint communique of the meeting and other decisions related to furthering the economic and trade cooperation as well as decisions on ensuring the efficient working of permanent bodies of SCO.
The PM also extended his gratitude and congratulated all national coordinators, experts and staff of the SCO Secretariat who had worked diligently to finalize the documents.