Observer Report
Moscow
Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Thursday said the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and the flagship project of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) supplements the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation’s (SCO) vision of regional connectivity and economic integration.
While addressing the SCO Council of Foreign Ministers moot in Moscow, Qureshi appreciated SCO as a platform for enhancing closer relations with regional partners and realising the benefits of the emerging connection between the and Eurasian Economic Union (EEU).
Speaking about the projects, the foreign minister said CPEC will bring economic prosperity for Pakistan and the region.
Qureshi said Pakistan’s experience in poverty alleviation has proposed establishment of an SCO Joint Working and SCO Centre of Excellence on Poverty Alleviation. He thanked member states for their support.
The foreign minister also expressed Pakistan’s delight in becoming the newest member of the SCO Youth Council. He said the country is looking forward to actively participating in it.
Referring to the coronavirus outbreak that has affected millions of people worldwide, Qureshi said Pakistan is open to sharing its experiences in combating the virus, following the decline in Covid-19 cases and deaths.
Referring to Prime Minister Imran Khan’s Global Initiative for Debt Relief, the foreign minister said this initiative will help developing countries to mitigate the adverse economic impact of the pandemic.
