NEW DELHI – Indian Minister for External Affairs, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, touched down in Pakistan to attend Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, marking the first visit by an Indian foreign minister to the neighboring country in nearly a decade.
Jaishankar is representing New Delhi at the key summit. He however stated that he would not engage in discussions regarding bilateral relations during his stay.
Earlier in day, several members including Kyrgyz Prime Minister Zhaparov Akylbek, Belarus Prime Minister Roman Golovchenko, Prime Minister Tajikistan Kohir Rasulzoda and Turkmenistan’s Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Rashid Meredov arrived in capital.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang, also attending the summit, will be making his first visit to Pakistan in 11 years. The SCO, which includes member states such as Russia, Iran, and several Central Asian countries, serves as a platform for collaboration on regional issues.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will preside over the summit, which aims to strengthen ties among member nations. A series of activities, including a welcome dinner and formal proceedings, are scheduled to take place at the Jinnah Convention Centre on Wednesday.
As leaders from various nations arrive in Islamabad, anticipation builds for potential outcomes from this significant gathering.