Zubair Qureshi
Ambassador of Uzbekistan Oybek Arif Usmanov has said that Pakistan and Uzbekistan play a paramount role in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and are long-term partners for the region’s overall peace, progress and prosperity.
Uzbekistan is at the center of Central Asian countries and Pakistan has its own geostrategic importance which can play a significant role in its economic and trade connectivity in the SCO, the ambassador said while addressing a session of the senior journalists and editors organized by a think tank “Pakistan in the World” and COPAIR.
“SCO Heads of State Council in Samarkand will pave the way towards collective peace, stability and development of the member states,” said Ambassador Oybek Arif Usmanov adding Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s proposals will contribute in setting the direction of the future endeavours of the member states.
Ambassador Oybek said, “President Shavkat is clear with a determined topical points and issues to be discussed at the heads of states council. He has outlined the priorities and tasks to achieve in this highest level meet.
These include efforts to raise the potential and authority of the organization, peace and stability in the region, reduce poverty, ensure food security, develop intraregional trade and eliminate trade barriers.
It would be attended by the Heads of State and Foreign Ministers of all the member countries and economic, trade and political cooperation among the member countries would be discussed.
He said that regional to regional cooperation would be discussed at the SCO summit which would be helpful in mutual cooperation among the member countries.
Central Asian countries also have a policy of regional cooperation which can enhance bilateral relations, the ambassador said.
The host on the occasion, senior journalist Tazeen Akhtar said SCO was the second largest organization in the world after the UNO and had a very important role to play. The SCO Summit in Uzbekistan is of utmost importance both for the member states as well as Central Asia and South Asia, he said.
