24th SEO Summit and Its Outcomes by IPR
24th SEO Summit and Its Outcomes by IPR
24th SEO Summit and Its Outcomes by IPR
Introduction:
The 24th Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit, held in Astana, Kazakhstan on
July 3-4, 2024, focused on “Strengthening Multilateral Dialogue—Striving Towards a
Sustainable Peace and Prosperity.” This summit aimed to address global and regional
challenges through dialogue and cooperation. Key outcomes included various strategic
documents and a new initiative aimed at fostering global unity and peace.
Key Points:
Conclusion:
The 24th SCO Summit in Astana underscored the organization’s commitment to dialogue
and cooperation for global peace and prosperity. The summit’s agreements and strategic
documents reflect a unified effort to tackle common challenges, enhance regional stability,
and foster economic growth. For Pakistan, the SCO represents a key platform for
addressing security issues, boosting economic development, and strengthening
international relations.
Significance Of Pakistan-Russia Ties
Introduction:
During the 24th SCO Summit in Astana, Kazakhstan, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a
significant meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. This meeting highlighted the
potential for strengthening Pakistan-Russia ties across various domains, including political,
economic, and military cooperation. The discussions underscored a mutual interest in
enhancing bilateral relations and addressing common regional concerns, particularly the
security situation in Afghanistan.
Key Points:
1. Meeting Overview:
o On July 3, 2024, at the SCO Summit, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and
President Vladimir Putin discussed the enhancement of bilateral cooperation
in political, economic, and military fields.
o Both leaders agreed to utilize the SCO forum to advance their strategic and
political relationship.
2. Economic Cooperation:
o The leaders agreed to boost bilateral trade and commerce.
o Barter trade was highlighted as a significant opportunity, particularly given
the regional proximity through Central Asia.
o The potential for expanding barter trade to other regional states was
discussed.
3. Historical Diplomatic Relations:
o Pakistan and Russia have had a positive diplomatic relationship since the
1990s, which has continued to grow.
o Notable visits that strengthened ties include President Pervez Musharraf’s
visit to Russia in 2003 and Prime Minister Imran Khan’s visit in 2022.
4. Security Concerns:
o Both countries share concerns over the security situation in Afghanistan.
o There is a need for regional cooperation among Russia, China, Pakistan, and
Central Asian states to address terrorism and stability issues.
o The Taliban government in Afghanistan is expected to cooperate with
regional states to manage terrorist groups operating from Afghan soil.
5. Views on Islamophobia:
o President Putin’s stance on terrorism and Islamophobia aligns with
Pakistan's views.
o He has criticized Western portrayals of Islam and defended the rights of
Muslims.
o This shared perspective fosters a positive image of Russia in the Muslim
world, including Pakistan.
6. Historical Context:
o Diplomatic relations between Pakistan and the former Soviet Union began on
May 1, 1948.
o After the Soviet Union's dissolution in 1991, diplomatic relations continued
with the Russian Federation.
o Historical interactions include USSR's offer of economic and technical
assistance to Pakistan in the 1950s and President Ayub Khan's visit to
Moscow in 1965, which paved the way for further cooperation.
Conclusion:
The meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Vladimir Putin at the
24th SCO Summit marked a renewed commitment to enhancing Pakistan-Russia relations.
The discussions underscored opportunities for increased economic cooperation,
addressing regional security concerns, and aligning on issues such as Islamophobia.
Building on a history of diplomatic engagement, both countries aim to elevate their
bilateral relationship to new heights, leveraging their strategic partnership for mutual
benefit and regional stability.