Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has departed from Pakistan after attending the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit. Before leaving, Jaishankar conveyed his appreciation for Pakistan’s hospitality through a message posted on X (formerly known as Twitter).
“I thank the Government of Pakistan for the warm hospitality,” Jaishankar wrote, expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for his graciousness. He also extended his thanks to Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and the people of Pakistan for the warm reception he received during his stay.
Jaishankar held face-to-face discussions with Dar at the summit, with sources indicating that the two engaged in informal conversations during a luncheon hosted by Prime Minister Sharif for summit delegates.
In his address at the SCO summit in Islamabad, Jaishankar congratulated Pakistan on assuming the chairmanship of the SCO Heads of Council. He assured full cooperation from India during Pakistan’s tenure, emphasizing the need for regional collaboration amidst significant global challenges, including ongoing conflicts and the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.
He highlighted the economic pressures faced by SCO member states, stressing the importance of mutual cooperation to tackle shared issues like terrorism, separatism, and extremism. Jaishankar concluded by urging SCO members to adhere to the organisation’s charter, enhance trade, communication, and energy cooperation to foster growth across the region.
