ISLAMABAD: Pakistan yesterday presented itself as a strong candidate for a full membership of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) since it had exceptionally strong credentials, and its inclusion would bring SCO closer to its vision.
The case for Pakistan was made by Tariq Fatemi, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs and Foreign Secretary Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry, when Secretary General, Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), Dimitry Mezentsev, called on them at the Foreign Office.
Presently, Pakistan is an observer at SCO, but Mezentsev praised Islamabad when he said he saw for himself efforts made by Pakistan “in combating terrorism and reviving economy to bring peace and stability to the country and the region.”
There was room for optimism of Pakistan becoming a full member especially when Mezentsev said Pakistan had been playing a “unique role” because of its excellent relations with China, Russia and other SCO member states.
Giving details of the meetings, the office of the spokesperson said in a statement that Pakistan was seen as an important regional country by Mezentsev, who said that increasing membership would not only enlarge the base of the organisation but would also increase its effectiveness in the region and its posture internationally.
The SCO’s main objectives, said its secretary general, “were to enhance socio economic cooperation among the member states with emphasis on dealing with military and soft security issues, combating terrorism, extremism, separatism, arms and drug trafficking.”
INTERNEWS
