Zubair Qureshi
Ambassador of Kazakhstan’s Mr Yerzhan Kistafin on Friday highlighted Kazakhstan’s crucial role in the SCO’s development, emphasizing its contributions to regional stability through robust counter terrorism mechanisms and economic cooperation.
He was addressing a round-table discussion titled ‘Astana Summit2024: Solidifying SCO’s Partnerships.’
The discussion was hosted by China Pakistan Study Centre (CPSC) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI).
The Kazakh envoy underscored his county’s commitment to fostering deep ties with SCO countries, promoting global peace, and enhancing regional connectivity.
Additionally, he discussed bilateral efforts with Pakistan in geopolitical dimensions, digital development, economic collaboration and connectivity, affirming a shared vision for peace, prosperity, and environmental security in the region.
The event was moderated by DrTalatShabbir, Director CPSC.
The speakers at the roundtable included Ambassador SohailMahmood, Director General ISSI; Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman BoG, ISSI; Ambassador Babar Amin, Pakistan’s first National Coordinator of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO); Dr. Syed HussainShaheedSoherwordi, Professor, University of Peshawar; and Mr. MarghoobSaleem Butt, Pakistan’s National Coordinator for SCO, MOFA.
DG ISSI Ambassador SohailMahmood stressed the significance of the upcoming Astana Summit within the SCO framework, underscoring SCO’s role as a pivotal trans-regional platform committed to stability, economic development, and cooperative multilateralism.
Emphasizing SCO’s expansive reach covering 60pc of Eurasia, encompassing 40pc of the global population, and a significant portion of the world’s GDP, he underscored its evolution into a vital platform for stability and multilateral cooperation.
Ambassador SohailMahmood highlighted SCO’s commitment to non-alignment, non-confrontation and inclusivity, offering an alternative perspective in international relations and a different cooperation model in a polarized world.
He also acknowledged the internal and external challenges facing SCO, urging coordinated efforts amidst complex regional and global realities. Pakistan’s active engagement with SCO, he noted, aligned closely with its national development goals and aspirations for regional peace and prosperity, reflecting its proactive role in advancing SCO’s objectives.
