What is the Shanghai Cooperation Organization or SCO and What It Is All About?
Shanghai Cooperation Organization is a multilateral Eurasian organization that focuses on several interconnected key areas, such as, fostering harmonious relations among SCO member states, enhancing economic, political, and socio-cultural cooperation, and ensuring lasting peace and stability in the Eurasian region. It is also committed to combating separatism, radicalism, and terrorism, while seeking to establish a democratic and equitable order within the SCO region.
Historically speaking, it replaced its predecessor the Shanghai Five in 2001 which was established by China, Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Kazakhstan in 1996. Its member states include the People’s Republic of China, the Russian Federation, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, India, Pakistan, and Iran. Beside these nine permanent members, there are three observer states: Afghanistan, Mongolia, Belarus. While dialogue partners include Türkiye, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Nepal, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Qatar.
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO ) Council of Heads of Government (CHG) and Its Summit in Islamabad
The Council of Heads of Government or CHG is the second most significant decision-making body within the SCO. Recently, Pakistan, as a permanent member to the SCO, assumed the rotating chairmanship of the SCO Council of Heads of Government. Therefore, Pakistan hosted the 23rd annual summit of the SCO CHG.
The 23rd Annual Summit of the Council of Heads of Government at Islamabad:
The meeting took place at Jinnah Convention Centre in the capital of Islamabad and it was chaired by the Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
The leaders from various SCO member states arrived at the Council of Heads of Government Summit : Chinese Premier Li Qiang, Belarus Prime Minister of Roman Golovchenko, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, Kazakhstan Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov, , Uzbek Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov ,Tajik Prime Minister Kohir Rasulzoda, Kyrgyzstan’s Chairman of Ministers Cabinet Zhaparov Akylbek, Iran’s First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref, and Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. The main theme of the 2024 SCO summit was “Strengthening multilateral dialogue-striving towards sustainable peace and prosperity”.
Dialogue at the summit
The heads of government from SCO member countries signed a Joint Declaration to strengthen regional economic and trade cooperation and ensure the effective functioning of the SCO’s permanent institutions. The declaration emphasizes that peoples have the right to democratically decide how they develop their societies and economies. It also reaffirms the members’ commitment to addressing any disagreements through peaceful dialogue and consultation rather than conflict. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization leaders signed eight significant agreements that concentrate on security, trade, and economic development in the region.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Stressed Collaboration and Regional Prosperity at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit
Addressing the summit Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized the importance of collaboration among member states to achieve regional prosperity through enhanced connectivity, poverty reduction, climate action, and business cooperation. He advocated for expanding initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative to boost trade and infrastructure, while also calling for joint efforts to tackle poverty and climate issues, particularly given Pakistan’s susceptibility to climate-related disasters. Additionally, Sharif highlighted the need for reforming global financial systems and expressed support for utilizing mutual currencies within the SCO. Moreover, he said that a stable Afghanistan is crucial for the region’s prosperity and that the “ongoing genocide” in Gaza must not be overlooked.
The SCO’s Secretary Generals Views About the Summit
Commenting on the SCO CHG 23rd Summit, the current Secretary General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, Zhang Ming, indicated that the dialogue focused on practical cooperation, modernization, and reform within the SCO, as well as its internal functioning. (SCO website).
Jaishankar Revealed His Concerns About Cross-border Terrorism
In his address at the SCO summit, India’s Minister for External Affairs, Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, reiterated concerns regarding cross-border terrorism. He said during his address: “If activities across borders are characterized by terrorism, extremism and separatism, they are hardly likely to encourage trade, energy flows, connectivity and people-to-people exchanges in parallel.”
The Recent Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit Steered Clear Of Politics
Moreover, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, spokesperson for Pakistan’s Foreign Office, to the Mideast.com that the discussions at the SCO summit focused on regional connectivity, economic matters, trade, and environmental challenges, rather than politics.
Significance of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Council of Heads of Government Summit for Pakistan
Hosting this summit highlighted Pakistan’s growing role in regional dynamics, offering a valuable opportunity to demonstrate its capabilities in diplomacy, strategic affairs, and economic development.
Strategic Opportunities for Pakistan
Diplomatic Engagement:
Hosting the summit allowed Pakistan to strengthen its diplomatic ties with major powers like Russia, China, and Central Asian Republics (CARs). It provided a platform for multilateral engagement, offering a respite from strained bilateral relations, particularly with India. Despite heightened tensions over Kashmir, inviting India to participate can open the door for diplomatic dialogue.
Economic Opportunities:
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit presented an excellent chance for Pakistan to enhance economic cooperation with regional countries, complementing existing initiatives like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). It can attract foreign investment in diverse sectors such as technology, energy, and agriculture.
Pakistan and the SCO: Pakistan’s Relevance to the SCO Why Pakistan Matters?
Geostrategic Importance: Pakistan’s strategic geographic location provides it with a significant advantage in geostrategy, geopolitics, and geo-economics. As the Central Asian Republics are landlocked, Pakistan can offer vital sea routes to SCO members, particularly those in Central Asia.
Economic Potential: Rich in natural resources such as coal, gas, and minerals, Pakistan is well-positioned to attract foreign investment. Strengthening trade relations with SCO member countries can boost Pakistan’s exports. By implementing free trade and tariff policies, Pakistan could emerge as a valuable market for Shanghai Cooperation Organization members.
Role in Regional Security: With a longstanding history of combating terrorism, Pakistan can contribute to the SCO’s Regional Anti-Terrorism Structure (RATS), providing valuable expertise and support in addressing security challenges faced by member states.