MOSCOW: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar held a series of high-level meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, Chinese Premier Li Qiang, and several other heads of government from Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) member states, the Foreign Office said on Wednesday.
These engagements took place on the sidelines of the SCO Council of Heads of Government, where participating countries focused on enhancing regional cooperation, improving economic connectivity, and expanding multilateral collaboration.
During his meeting with President Putin, the Russian leader welcomed all delegations and emphasised the significance of deepening regional economic ties under the SCO framework. He described the organisation as an essential platform for promoting connectivity, stability and mutually beneficial development across Eurasia, according to the DPM’s Office.
Dar’s interaction with China’s Premier Li Qiang reaffirmed the “all-weather” strategic partnership between Pakistan and China. Both leaders reviewed bilateral progress and multilateral cooperation, particularly within the SCO. They praised the Shanghai Spirit—based on trust, mutual benefit and cooperation—and agreed to maintain close engagement on global and regional matters.
The foreign minister also held an informal discussion with Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani. The two leaders exchanged views on bilateral ties, economic cooperation and regional priorities, expressing readiness to enhance collaboration.
Dar later met Tajikistan’s Prime Minister Kokhir Rasulzoda, congratulating him on assuming the chairmanship for the next SCO Council of Heads of Government session. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to expanding cooperation with Tajikistan in multiple sectors and at various international platforms.
In talks with Uzbekistan’s Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov, Dar appreciated the positive trajectory of Pakistan–Uzbekistan relations and stressed the need for continued high-level exchanges to further strengthen cooperation under the SCO.
Additionally, Dar met Adylbek Kasymaliev, Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Head of the Presidential Administration of Kyrgyzstan. He congratulated him on taking over the SCO Heads of State chairmanship and discussed regional initiatives and Kyrgyzstan’s upcoming responsibilities under the rotating presidency.
