Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif spent a busy day in Tianjin on Sunday, where he attended the 25th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, met several world leaders, and reaffirmed Pakistan’s alignment with Chinese President Xi Jinping’s vision of shared prosperity and development. His engagements also underlined Pakistan’s deepening role in the SCO and its growing cooperation with China across multiple sectors.
Diplomatic Outreach and Informal Meetings
Shehbaz attended a banquet hosted by President Xi for the summit leaders, engaging informally with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, Tajikistan’s Emomali Rahmon, Turkmenistan’s Serdar Berdimuhamedow, Kyrgyzstan’s Sadyr Japarov, Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu, and UN Secretary-General António Guterres.
Observers described the warmth extended to Shehbaz as “unusually close,” reflecting Pakistan’s fraternal ties with SCO member states.
Meeting with Erdogan and Regional Issues
In a bilateral meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, both sides reviewed the full spectrum of Pakistan-Turkiye relations, appreciating the surge in high-level exchanges in political, economic, defence, and security domains. Erdogan extended condolences over Pakistan’s flood losses, while the two leaders pledged to raise their voices jointly for Palestinian rights and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Engagement with Pakistani Students in Tianjin
Addressing over 200 Pakistani students at Tianjin University, Shehbaz urged them to acquire modern knowledge and technology to serve as “torchbearers of Pakistan-China friendship.” He stressed that Pakistan and China shared a “common destiny,” built on sincerity, honesty, and mutual trust.
Shehbaz praised China’s achievement of lifting 800 million people out of poverty, crediting President Xi’s leadership as an inspiration for the world.
Focus on Disaster Preparedness and Relief Efforts
During his visit to Tianjin University’s National Earthquake Simulation Centre, the prime minister highlighted the importance of collaboration on disaster management. He emphasised applying Chinese expertise to Pakistan’s own disaster preparedness, particularly against floods and earthquakes.
Shehbaz also disclosed that federal relief convoys had been dispatched to flood-affected districts, including Narowal, Sialkot, Wazirabad, Hafizabad, Chiniot, and Jhang, directing NDMA to ensure full coordination with provincial authorities.
Ishaq Dar’s Parallel Engagements
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar visited Tianjin’s Luban Technical and Vocational Education Exhibition Hall, where he discussed enhancing Pakistan-China cooperation in vocational training. He stressed skill development in emerging industries as vital for sustainable economic growth, noting the success of the Luban initiative launched in Lahore in 2018.
Shehbaz’s Upcoming Address and Beijing Visit
On Monday, Shehbaz will address the 25th SCO Council of Heads of State summit, with his speech to be broadcast by state media. He is also set to hold bilateral meetings with heads of various countries.
Following the summit, Shehbaz will travel to Beijing for Victory Day celebrations, hold talks with Chinese leadership, including President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang, and chair the second Pakistan-China B2B Investment Conference on September 4 to boost trade and investment.
SCO’s Regional Role
The SCO, comprising China, India, Russia, Pakistan, Iran, and Central Asian states, has positioned itself as a counterweight to Western-led blocs. It aims to enhance political, economic, and security cooperation among members while promoting regional peace and stability.
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