Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar has reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to the ‘Shanghai Spirit’.
Addressing the SCO Council of Foreign Ministers meeting in Tianjin China today (Tuesday), he also affirmed the Pakistan’s commitment to advancing the initiatives aimed at enhancing regional connectivity, shared prosperity, sustainable development, and durable peace, with a view to realizing the region’s collective potential.
The Deputy Prime Minister underscored the importance of upholding international law, implementing relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions to resolve longstanding disputes, and avoiding confrontational politics and double standards.
Ishaq Dar said Pakistan values the SCO as a platform of immense political, strategic and economic importance. He appreciated China’s deep-rooted commitment to multilateralism and its role in strengthening SCO as the Chair this year.
The Deputy Prime Minister said at the time when the global order is experiencing profound challenges, SCO has emerged as a stabilizing force. Its inclusive approach underscoring the sovereign equality of states and seeking peaceful resolutions to disputes, offers a compelling alternative to aggression, confrontation and zero-sum rivalries.
Ishaq Dar said the SCO’s commitment to consensus, development, and mutual respect is a beacon of hope for building a better and equitable world. He welcomed Belarus as the newest member of the SCO family.
Turning to regional situation, he said Pakistan seeks a relationship of peace and stability with all its neighbors. However, the last three months witnessed extremely disturbing developments in South Asia. He said today, Pakistan remains steadfast in its commitment to the ceasefire and the cultivation of a stable regional equilibrium. However, we cannot accept that the arbitrary use of force is normalized.
Ishaq Dar said Pakistan believes that disputes and differences are resolved through dialogue and diplomacy, instead of conflict and coercion.
About Afghanistan, the Deputy Prime Minister said enduring peace and stability in Afghanistan constitute a cornerstone of our shared aspiration. He said in this context, the revival of the SCO-Afghanistan Contact Group could serve as a valuable platform for pragmatic and results-oriented cooperation.
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