SCO summit starts today; Pakistan to sign document paving way for full membership

Radio Pakistan - June 22, 2016 - 9:43 PM local time

SCO full membership will allow Pakistan to play an anchor role in regional trade, peace and stability

President Mamnoon Hussain is in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, to represent Pakistan at Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit beginning on Thursday. He was received by Uzbek Prime Minister Shavkat Mirziyoyev on Wednesday. Foreign Affairs Adviser Sartaj Aziz, Foreign Secretary Aizaz Chaudhry, and other senior officials are accompanying the president. 

Earlier, the President visited the shrine of Imam Bukhari (RA) in Samarkand on Wednesday. On the occasion, the President appreciated the services of Imam Bukhari (RA) for Islam who compiled the most authentic book of 'Ahadiths'. The President will also hold bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the SCO summit. 

At the meeting, Pakistan is expected to sign the ‘Memorandum of Obligations,’ which will pave the way for the country to become a full member of SCO. Pakistan was invited to start the process of becoming full SCO member at the Heads of State Council meeting held in Ufa, Russia in July last year.

Earlier, as an Observer State of SCO, Pakistan has been making substantive contribution to regional peace, security and development. Pakistan became an Observer in SCO in 2005, and was the first country to apply for full membership in 2010.

The SCO aims at strengthening friendly relations amongst states, maintenance of peace, stability and security in the region. Founded in Shanghai in 2001, the SCO includes six member states, five observers and three dialogue partners.

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