Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar met on Wednesday with leaders of Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Qatar, exchanging detailed views on bilateral relations, regional cooperation, and multilateral engagement. The meetings took place on the sidelines of the SCO Council of Heads of Government (CHG) summit held in Moscow from November 17 to 18.
Meeting with Russia
Dar held a comprehensive discussion with the Russian Foreign Minister, reviewing the full spectrum of Pakistan–Russia relations. According to the Foreign Office, both sides expressed strong satisfaction with the current positive momentum in bilateral ties.
Dar emphasized the constructive role of leadership-level engagement and institutional mechanisms in advancing cooperation between the two countries. Both delegations also discussed key regional and global issues, reaffirming the importance of their continued coordination at international platforms such as the United Nations and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). They pledged to deepen this partnership further.
Meeting with Tajikistan
The deputy PM also met Tajikistan’s Prime Minister Kokhir Rasulzoda. Dar congratulated him on assuming the upcoming chairmanship of the next SCO Council of Heads of Government meeting. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties across multiple sectors and enhancing collaboration in regional and multilateral forums.
Meeting with Uzbekistan
In his meeting with Uzbekistan’s Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov, Dar welcomed the ongoing positive momentum in Pakistan–Uzbekistan relations. He highlighted the significance of high-level exchanges and reaffirmed Pakistan’s dedication to boosting cooperation within the SCO framework and beyond.
Discussion with Qatar
The foreign minister also held an informal conversation with Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani. The two leaders discussed bilateral relations, opportunities for deeper cooperation, and shared regional priorities.
Dar Reaffirms Commitment to the “Shanghai Spirit”
Addressing the CHG summit, Ishaq Dar reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to the “Shanghai Spirit”, the guiding philosophy of the SCO anchored in mutual trust, shared development, and regional stability.
He outlined Pakistan’s key priorities within the organization, including enhanced cooperation in:
- Connectivity and transport corridors
- Energy trade and infrastructure
- Logistics and economic integration
Dar urged member states to promote the use of national currencies for trade settlements and called for the establishment of an SCO Development Bank, an SCO Development Fund, and an Investment Fund to support regional development initiatives.
