Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Monday that Pakistan respected the sovereignty and integrity of all members of the block and their neighbors, while heading to the summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in China.
Prime Minister Shehbaz arrived in China on Saturday to attend the summit of the two -day State Council (CHS) SCO.
Going to the SCO summit today, the prime minister said: “Pakistan has always believed in the power of multilateralism, dialogue and diplomacy, and avoid unilateralism. And, yet, to our surprise and deep disappointment, the region witnessed extremely disturbing developments in recent months.
“Pakistan supports and respects the sovereignty and integrity of all members of the OCS and their neighbors,” he added.
“We respect all international and bilateral treaties and hope that all the members of the OCS will be followed by all the members of the OCS,” said Prime Minister Shehbaz, in an apparent reference to his member member of the Indian SCO and his unilateral movement to celebrate the Indo Water Treaty in May in May.
“Uninterrupted access to the due participation of water according to the existing treaties between the OCS members will strengthen the SCO to function without problems and support the achievement of broader objectives for which the SCO was established,” said the prime minister.
He reaffirmed that Pakistan was looking for a “normal and stable relationship with all his neighbors.” “It seeks dialogue and diplomacy about conflict and confrontation.”
“We will continue our efforts, together with all the members of the SCO and the president of SCO, to promote progress and prosperity throughout the region and to guarantee lasting peace in southern Asia,” promised Prime Minister Shehbaz.
He asked for a “comprehensive and structural dialogue to discuss all pending disputes”, adding: “I will request their consideration to lead this dialogue under their Sagazo leadership so that they can have their dividends as soon as possible.”
“Pakistan has always fulfilled the letters of the UN and SCO and will always respect the principles that will appreciate us all for our collective good. As a nation loving peace, Pakistan has always advocated for dialogue and diplomacy, consultation on confrontation,” he reiterated.
Prime Minister Shehbaz also said: “For us, the SCO is a platform that best represents Pakistan’s permanent commitment to regional cooperation and integration. The successful possession of China as president of the SCO reflects the Sagaz and visionary leadership of President XI.”
He stressed that China’s “global leadership” was exemplified not only through the block but also in historical initiatives, such as the Belt and Road initiative and the economic corridor of China-Pakistan (CPEC).
At the beginning of his speech, the prime minister pointed out that the port city of Tianjin, where the summit is being carried out, represented “the central values of China as a connector and bridge of cultures and civilization.”
He thanked President XI and his government for the warm hospitality and excellent arrangements for the SCO meeting. The prime minister also extended his congratulations to Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan in his national days today and yesterday, respectively.
More to follow
