Sco conference prime minister Shahbaz Sharif speech

Apna Punjab 444

Transcript

00:00As-salamu alaykum and a very good morning.

00:05We are at a historic moment of transition

00:09where sweeping transformations are reshaping the global, social, political, economic and security landscape.

00:21From the esteemed platform of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization,

00:27a beacon of multilateralism,

00:31I stand resolute in the belief that we possess not only the potential but the collective will

00:40to forge a future that is more prosperous, stable and secure for our people.

00:48A future that is inclusive and reflective of the shared aspirations of all member states.

00:58Excellencies, when Pakistan assumed the chair of this August forum last year,

01:07we reaffirmed our commitment to the regional peace, stability, enhanced connectivity

01:14and sustainable socio-economic development.

01:19We believe these tenets are fundamental to the SCO's progress

01:25and to the advancement of our collective vision.

01:30Ladies and gentlemen, through the concerted efforts of all member states,

01:36we have been able to progress on this path.

01:40The joint communique of our meeting stands testament to our shared commitment

01:47to fostering sustainable and inclusive economic growth,

01:52leveraging enhanced connectivity and adopting forward-thinking mechanisms for green development.

02:03Our collaboration and joint teamwork spans academic and tourism linkages,

02:11poverty alleviation and the empowerment of women and youth across the SCO region,

02:19a reflection and a commitment of our determination to promote prosperity through unity.

02:26Excellencies, I take pride in highlighting several forward-looking initiatives

02:34during Pakistan's chairmanship.

02:38During our chairmanship, the SCO Economic Preference Base

02:46enhanced cooperation between trade promotion organizations,

02:51the Creative Economy Framework and the SCO New Economic Dialogue Program.

03:00These initiatives chart a promising course and a bright future,

03:07but now it is imperative that we shift to tangible actions through coordinated implementation,

03:15strengthening our cooperation in the vital sectors of trade and economy.

03:22Ladies and gentlemen, Afghanistan, by virtue of its contiguity with our region,

03:30presents an invaluable and rare opportunity for trade and transit,

03:36benefiting all SCO member states.

03:40A stable Afghanistan is not only desirable but essential to fully realizing these great opportunities.

03:54The international community must step forward with urgent humanitarian support

04:02while calling upon the Afghan interim government to embrace political inclusivity

04:10thereby ensuring Afghan soil is not misused for terrorism against its neighbors by any entity.

04:22Excellencies, economic collaboration is at the heart of SCO engagement.

04:29Investment in regional infrastructure, particularly in the realms of transport and energy,

04:36is indispensable for promoting our economic integration.

04:44Pakistan welcomes the decision by the SCO Council of Heads of State

04:51to ensure and endorse the strategy for the development of Energy Cooperation 2030

05:00and the establishment of the Association of Investors.

05:03We stand ready to play our part in realizing these lofty ambitions.

05:13While supporting all SCO connectivity initiatives,

05:18Pakistan underscores the importance of establishing a robust SCO connectivity framework.

05:27This framework should not merely boost regional trade

05:33but should also advance the vision of connected Eurasia.

05:39Flagship projects like the Belt and Road Initiative of President Xi Jinping,

05:47the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, which is in its second phase,

05:53and the International North-South Transport Corridor should be expanded,

06:01focusing on developing road, rail and digital infrastructure

06:08that enhances integration and cooperation across our region.

06:15Let us not look at such projects through the narrow political prism.

06:23And invest in our collective connectivity capacities,

06:28which are crucial to advancing the shared vision of an economically integrated region.

06:37Let us work together for a well-connected, integrated and prosperous region

06:45that benefits all Member States.

06:49Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

06:53Poverty is not just an economic issue.

06:57It is a moral imperative that demands our collective attention.

07:04With millions living in poverty within the SCO region,

07:10closer cooperation on poverty alleviation is critical

07:15because, as the saying goes, poverty leads to ultimate annihilation.

07:25As the permanent chair of the SCO, Special Working Group on Poverty,

07:32Pakistan has facilitated several seminars and webinars

07:39aimed at sharing of knowledge and best practices

07:45to remove poverty from the face of this region.

07:51We shall continue to provide the required impetus

07:56to our collective effort to address the root causes of poverty

08:01and uplift the quality of life for our people.

08:06Excellencies, Climate change is an existential crisis

08:13that transcends borders.

08:17Its impacts are felt universally but more acutely by a nation like Pakistan,

08:25which is on the front line of climate-induced disasters.

08:302022, devastating floods,

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