ISLAMABAD: On April 19, 2025, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar welcomed Nurlan Yermekbayev, the Secretary General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), during his official visit to Pakistan. This meeting underscored the importance of collaboration between Pakistan and the SCO, a 10-member intergovernmental trans-regional organization established on June 15, 2001.
During their meeting, Dar congratulated Yermekbayev on his new role as Secretary General and assured him of Pakistan’s unwavering support for the SCO Secretariat. He emphasized Pakistan’s close historical ties with SCO member states and reaffirmed the country’s commitment to uphold the "Shanghai spirit," a term that encapsulates the principles of mutual respect and cooperation among member nations.
"We appreciate the potential of the SCO as a forum for promoting regional peace and security, as well as a tool for enhanced economic development within the region," Dar stated. His remarks highlighted Pakistan's strategic position within the organization and its advocacy for regional stability.
Yermekbayev expressed gratitude for the warm hospitality extended by Pakistan and acknowledged the country’s active engagement in SCO activities. He particularly lauded Pakistan’s successful hosting of the Council of Heads of Government of the SCO Member States (SCO CHG) meeting in Islamabad in October 2024, a significant event that reinforced Pakistan’s role in the organization.
Both leaders engaged in a constructive dialogue, deliberating on various priorities for the SCO. They explored ways to advance cooperation in key areas such as transportation and logistics, energy security, food security, health, e-commerce, and the green economy. This comprehensive discussion reflects the SCO's commitment to addressing pressing regional challenges through collaborative efforts.
Meanwhile, in Tokyo, on April 17, 2025, the 7th session of political talks took place between the Sultanate of Oman and Japan. The meeting was held at the headquarters of Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with the Omani delegation led by Sheikh Khalifa Ali Al Harthy, Undersecretary of the Foreign Ministry for Political Affairs. The Japanese side was represented by Ando Toshihide, Assistant Minister for Middle Eastern and African Affairs Bureau.
During the talks, both sides reviewed their bilateral relations and sought to enhance cooperation across various fields. The discussions also encompassed several regional and international issues of mutual concern, indicating a shared interest in addressing broader geopolitical dynamics.
On the sidelines of the official talks, Sheikh Khalifa Ali Al Harthy conducted a seminar on Omani-Japanese relations and the developments in the Middle East at Oman’s embassy in Tokyo. This seminar attracted a diverse audience, including Japanese politicians, businesspeople, and academics, demonstrating the growing interest in Oman’s strategic role in the region.
Notable attendees included Dr. Mohammed Said Al Busaidi, the Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman to Japan, and Sheikh Abdulaziz Mohammed Al Hosni, Head of the Asia Pacific Department at Oman’s Foreign Ministry. Their presence underscored the importance of high-level engagement in fostering bilateral ties.
Both the meetings in Islamabad and Tokyo reflect a broader trend of increasing diplomatic engagement among nations in the region. The SCO serves as a platform for Pakistan to strengthen its relationships with neighboring countries, while Oman seeks to bolster its international partnerships, particularly with Japan.
As the global landscape continues to evolve, these diplomatic efforts are crucial for fostering peace, stability, and economic cooperation. The SCO's focus on regional issues, combined with Oman’s strategic discussions with Japan, highlights the interconnectedness of international relations and the necessity for collaborative approaches to shared challenges.
In summary, the meetings held in Islamabad and Tokyo illustrate the commitment of both Pakistan and Oman to engage actively with their international partners. As they navigate complex geopolitical landscapes, these nations are poised to play significant roles in shaping regional dynamics through cooperation and dialogue.
