Sco conference prime minister Shahbaz Sharif speech
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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,