Ishaq Dar Joins SCO Foreign Ministers’ Meeting In Kyrgyzstan

Ishaq Dar Engages Regional Partners at SCO Summit in Kyrgyzstan
CHOLPON-ATA — Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, arrived in the scenic resort city of Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyzstan, to represent the nation at the prestigious Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Council of Foreign Ministers (SCO-CFM) meeting. The high-profile gathering brought together senior diplomats, economic policymakers, and foreign ministers across Eurasia to discuss mutual interest, multilateral cooperation, and shared regional development goals.
Upon his arrival at the conference venue, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar was extended a warm diplomatic reception by the Foreign Minister of the Kyrgyz Republic, Zheenbek Kulubaev, alongside senior officials of the SCO Secretariat. The visit highlights Pakistan’s proactive diplomatic outreach and its steadfast commitment to fostering stronger economic ties with Central Asian republics and neighboring partner states.
Expanding Economic Frontiers and Regional Connectivity
At the core of this year’s SCO summit was a shared vision to enhance physical and digital connectivity across member nations. In his address to the council, DPM Ishaq Dar highlighted Pakistan’s unique geopolitical position as a natural bridge connecting Central Asia with the Arabian Sea. He emphasized that building robust transport corridors, modernizing border infrastructure, and simplifying trade logistics are essential steps toward unlocking the vast economic potential of Eurasia.
Pakistan’s participation in the summit aligns closely with its ongoing economic revitalization plans, which prioritize geo-economics, trade facilitation, and regional integration over traditional geopolitical disputes. The delegation reiterated Pakistan’s readiness to offer efficient trade routes through its deep-sea ports, facilitating seamless commercial flow for landlocked Central Asian economies.
Strategic Agenda & Key Objectives
The two-day ministerial conference covered a comprehensive agenda aimed at strengthening multilateral institution-building and sustainable economic growth:
Enhancing Intra-Regional Trade: Delegates explored frameworks to lower tariff barriers, streamline customs procedures, and promote local currency trade settlements among member countries to shield regional economies from global financial volatility.
Infrastructure and Energy Projects: High-level talks centered on advancing joint energy corridors, renewable energy initiatives, and cross-border power transmission networks designed to meet the growing energy demands of member states.
Digitalization and Innovation: Recognizing the transformative power of technology, the council discussed collaborative programs focused on artificial intelligence, e-commerce, digital financial inclusion, and agricultural innovation.
Climate Resilience and Environmental Sustainability: Facing increasing environmental challenges, member states agreed to establish joint working groups dedicated to disaster risk management, water conservation, and sustainable agriculture techniques.
High-Level Bilateral Consultations
On the sidelines of the main summit, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar conducted a series of strategic bilateral meetings with key international counterparts. These sessions provided an invaluable opportunity to review bilateral trade portfolios, identify new investment avenues, and strengthen diplomatic ties.
In his interaction with Central Asian leaders, DPM Dar underlined the importance of direct air links, enhanced business-to-business contacts, and joint industrial ventures. Discussions also touched upon expanding educational exchange programs, allowing students and young professionals across the region to benefit from shared academic resources and vocational training opportunities.
Additionally, the Pakistani delegation called on Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov alongside other delegation heads. The collective discussions reaffirmed a shared commitment to upholding the “Shanghai Spirit”—a principles-based approach built on mutual trust, non-interference, cultural respect, and joint development.
Sustainable Development and Youth Empowerment
Beyond traditional commerce, the conference dedicated significant attention to socio-economic development and human capital growth. Pakistan advocated for dedicated regional initiatives targeting youth empowerment, vocational skill-building, and cultural exchanges.
By encouraging joint research, tourism, and cultural festivals, SCO member states aim to build stronger people-to-people connections that underpin long-term diplomatic and economic stability. DPM Dar noted that empowering the region’s young population through digital skills and entrepreneurship is crucial for sustaining long-term economic resilience.
Looking Ahead: A Vision for Shared Prosperity
Pakistan’s active engagement at the SCO Foreign Ministers’ meeting reinforces its position as an essential player in Eurasian diplomacy and economic partnership. As global markets shift toward regionalization, forums like the SCO serve as indispensable platforms for constructive dialogue, trade expansion, and sustainable growth.