MPD tells SCO chief that Pakistan is ready to work closely with member states before taking over the bloc’s presidency in September.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar meets Shanghai Cooperation Organization Secretary-General Nurlan Yermekbayev in Islamabad. PHOTO: FO/X
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Wednesday reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to promoting the goals of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), as the country prepares to take over the presidency of the SCO Council of Heads of State later this year.
Dar made these remarks during a meeting in Islamabad with SCO Secretary General Nurlan Yermekbayev, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (FO) said in X.
According to the statement, the two sides had a “productive exchange” on the organization’s priorities and discussed ways to strengthen cooperation between member states in key areas, including the economy, transportation and connectivity. They also exchanged opinions on regional and international events.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 today received Secretary General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Nurlan Yermekbayev.
The two sides had a productive exchange on the priorities of the SCO and ways to further strengthen… pic.twitter.com/kerTmyAN0l
– Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) July 15, 2026
The FO said Yermekbayev praised Pakistan’s “constructive contributions to promoting regional peace, stability and cooperation.” He also shared proposals to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the SCO and briefed Dar on preparations for the upcoming meeting of the SCO Council of Foreign Ministers in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s “strong commitment to promoting the goals of the SCO” and expressed the country’s readiness “to work closely with all member states” before assuming the presidency of the SCO Council of Heads of State in September.
Pakistan will host the SCO Summit in 2027.
Read more: Pakistan to take over SCO command in September
Outlining Islamabad’s priorities, Dar has previously said that Pakistan would pursue a practical and forward-looking agenda focused on strengthening economic cooperation, improving regional connectivity and expanding engagement among SCO member states.
Pakistan has also played an active role within the organization, including hosting the SCO Council of Heads of Government meeting in Islamabad in October 2024. The country currently chairs the SCO Regional Counter-Terrorism Structure for the period 2025-26.
Dar also highlighted Pakistan’s role as permanent chair of the SCO Working Group on Poverty Alleviation, describing it as an important platform for improving living standards in all member states.
