The 23rd summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is officially underway in Pakistan as high-profile delegates, including prime ministers and foreign ministers from member nations, have begun arriving in Islamabad for the two-day event.
Prime ministers from three member states have already touched down in the capital for the two-day event, where they were warmly welcomed by federal ministers.
Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has touched down in Islamabad, marking a historic moment between the two countries. His presence has sparked interest as it could offer a platform for indirect dialogue between the two neighbouring nations despite ongoing tensions.
This is the first time in around a decade that an Indian external affairs minister has arrived in Pakistan since the previous one by the late Sushma Swaraj. Jaishankar was received at the Nur Khan airbase by Foreign Office Director General (South Asia & SAARC) Ilyas Mehmood Nizami.
Landed in Islamabad to take part in SCO Council of Heads of Government Meeting. pic.twitter.com/PQ4IFPZtlp
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) October 15, 2024
Later, the visiting Indian minister tweeted from his official X handle that he landed in Islamabad for the SCO Council of Heads of Government meeting.
Also Read: SCO Summit agenda issued: All you need to know!
Earlier in the day, the prime minister of Kyrgyzstan arrived in Pakistan to participate in the SCO Summit. The Kyrgyz premier's plane landed at PAF Base Nur Khan in Islamabad. Federal Minister for Petroleum Musadik Malik welcomed the dignitary.
SCO Summit agenda: All you need to know!
Islamabad is set to host the 23rd meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Council of Heads of State, with high-level foreign delegations expected to arrive in the capital today.
The two-day event, to be held at the Jinnah Convention Center on October 16, will bring together leaders from SCO member countries to discuss key regional and international issues.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will host a dinner in honour of the visiting delegations. He will then formally welcome the guests on their arrival at the convention centre. After the arrival of guests, reception and group photos, the conference will formally kick off.
Also Read: Pakistani ambassadors gather in Islamabad ahead of SCO summit
According to the Foreign Office, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will officially inaugurate the conference with a welcome address, followed by speeches from the heads of foreign delegations.
Later, the event will feature the signing of important documents as part of the meeting's agenda, culminating in concluding remarks from Prime Minister Sharif. A luncheon will also be held in honour of the participants.
At the conclusion of the event, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and the SCO secretary general will address the media to share key outcomes and insights from the conference.
