Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif joined the heads of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) member states in signing the declaration at the SCO Council of Heads of State meeting in Bishkek.
The signing ceremony brought together leaders including Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, while Pakistan is set to assume the presidency of the SCO Council of Heads of State for 2026-27.
Prime Minister Sharif was present at the signing ceremony, where the heads of SCO member countries formally signed the declaration of the summit. The PM also signed the declaration on behalf of Pakistan, alongside other participating heads of state.
Before the meeting began, the world leaders gathered for a group photograph. Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian were among the leaders attending the meeting.
Pakistan will take over the presidency of the SCO Council of Heads of State for the 2026-27 term.
Kyrgyz president warmly welcomes Shehbaz
Earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived at the main hall in Bishkek to attend the summit and was warmly received by the president of Kyrgyzstan. The two leaders shook hands as the prime minister arrived for the event.
The SCO meeting provided an opportunity for participating leaders to discuss regional and international issues as well as matters of mutual interest.
Shehbaz meets Uzbek president
On the sidelines of the SCO summit, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a meeting with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to increasing bilateral trade between Pakistan and Uzbekistan to $2 billion by 2029 and agreed to accelerate progress on the Trans-Pakistan Railway project.
The prime minister highlighted the importance of the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan Railway project, which is expected to strengthen regional connectivity and trade.
Trade and economic cooperation
During the meeting, the two sides discussed cooperation in several areas, including industry, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, textiles, mining, digital technology and security.
Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan, Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal and Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar also attended the meeting.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and the Uzbek people on the 35th anniversary of Uzbekistan’s independence. He said the Strategic Cooperation Council had provided fresh momentum to the Pakistan-Uzbekistan partnership.
The prime minister stressed the importance of implementing decisions related to trade, investment and economic cooperation and reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthening its strategic partnership with Uzbekistan.
Shehbaz Sharif also appreciated Uzbekistan’s support for Pakistan’s upcoming chairmanship of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.
PM attends World Nomad Games opening
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also attended the opening ceremony of the 6th World Nomad Games in Bishkek.
The heads of state participating in the SCO meeting were also present at the ceremony. The Kyrgyz president warmly welcomed the prime minister and other world leaders attending the event.
The stadium erupted in applause when the Pakistani sports contingent entered during the ceremony. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stood up, applauded the Pakistani athletes and encouraged the national sports contingent.
Informal meetings with world leaders
On the sidelines of the opening ceremony, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held informal meetings with several world leaders.
He met Russian President Vladimir Putin and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, while also holding informal interactions with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko.
The prime minister also met Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Tajik President Emomali Rahmon.
Other leaders with whom Shehbaz Sharif held informal meetings included Laos President Thongloun Sisoulith, Togolese President Faure Gnassingbe and Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh.
The prime minister also interacted with the presidents of Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Mongolia, while the presidents of Laos, Togo and Mongolia met with him during the event.
The informal meetings focused on matters of mutual interest and ways to strengthen Pakistan’s bilateral relations with the participating countries.
Pakistan prepares to lead SCO Council
Pakistan’s upcoming presidency of the SCO Council of Heads of State for 2026-27 is expected to provide Islamabad with an opportunity to play a greater role in advancing regional cooperation.
The Bishkek summit also provided a platform for Pakistan to strengthen diplomatic engagement with SCO member states and other participating countries while advancing its economic, trade and connectivity priorities.
