Islamabad (TDI): The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed the attendance of key leaders from member states for the 23rd Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit, scheduled to take place in Islamabad on October 15 and 16.
The SCO, an intergovernmental organization founded by China and Russia, focuses on political, economic, defence, and security matters across Eurasia.
The organization includes member states such as China, Russia, Pakistan, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Belarus, along with 16 observer nations and dialogue partners.
This year’s summit will host heads of government from across the region, with discussions expected to centre on regional security and cooperation.
Notably, India, Pakistan’s long-time rival, will be represented by its External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, marking a rare high-level visit to Islamabad.
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The list of confirmed leaders attending the summit includes: Chinese Premier Li Qiang, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Iranian First Vice-President Mohammad Reza Aref, and Belarusian Prime Minister Roman Golovchenko.
Kazakh Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov, Kyrgyzstan’s Cabinet Chairman Zhaparov Akylbek, Tajik Prime Minister Kokhir Rasulzoda, Uzbek Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov, Mongolian Prime Minister Oyun-Erdene Luvsannamsrai, and Turkmenistan’s Deputy Chairman Rashid Meredov are also attending the event.
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Moreover, SCO Secretary General Zhang Ming, SCO RATS Executive Committee Director Ruslan Mirzayev, SCO Business Council Chairman Atif Ikram Shaikh, and SCO Interbank Union Chairman Marat Yelibayev are also visiting Pakistan to attend the high-level conference.
The summit’s deliberations are expected to play a key role in shaping future regional cooperation and security initiatives.
