SCO Summit was successful. Why no mention of Kashmir? Speech of India’s Foreign Minister. Peace and stability.
The people of Jammu and Kashmir need to change their strategies, violence and hatred are not the way forward.
Thursday 17 October 2024
Wednesday 16 October 2024
Speech of the Foreign Minister of India at SCO Summit in Islamabad 2024.
Speech of the Foreign Minister of India at SCO Summit in Islamabad 2024.
India's National Statement delivered by External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar at the 23rd Meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of Government in Islamabad
October 16, 2024
Your Excellency the Prime Minister of Pakistan,
Excellencies,
Namaskar! Dobrye Utro!
1. At the outset, let me congratulate Pakistan for its Presidency of the SCO Council of Heads of Government this year. India has extended its full support for a successful Presidency.
2. We meet at a difficult time in world affairs. Two major conflicts are underway, each with its own global repercussions. The Covid pandemic has left many in the developing world deeply devastated. Disruptions of various kinds – ranging from extreme climate events to supply chain uncertainties and financial volatility – are impacting growth and development. Debt is a serious concern, even as the world falls behind in achieving SDG targets. Technology holds great promise, as well as raising a new host of concerns. How should the members of the SCO respond to these challenges?
Excellencies,
3. The answers lie in the Charter of our organization. And I urge you to reflect on Article 1 that spells out the goals and tasks of the SCO. Let me summarize it for our collective consideration. The objective is to strengthen mutual trust, friendship and good neighbourliness. It is to develop multi-faceted cooperation, especially of a regional nature. It is to be a positive force in terms of balanced growth, integration and conflict prevention. The Charter was equally clear what the key challenges were. And these were primarily three, that the SCO was committed to combatting: one, terrorism; two, separatism; and three, extremism.
Excellencies,
4. If we fast-forward from the inception of the Charter to the situation today, these goals and these tasks are even more crucial. It is, therefore, essential that we have an honest conversation. If trust is lacking or cooperation inadequate, if friendship has fallen short and good neighbourliness is missing somewhere, there are surely reasons to introspect and causes to address. Equally, it is only when we reaffirm our commitment most sincerely to the Charter that we can fully realize the benefits of cooperation and integration that it envisages.
Excellencies,
5. This is not just an endeavor for our own benefit. We all realize that the world is moving towards multi-polarity. Globalization and rebalancing are realities that cannot be denied. Cumulatively, they have created many new opportunities in terms of trade, investment, connectivity, energy flows and other forms of collaboration. There is no question that our region would benefit immensely if we take this forward. Not just that, others too would draw their own inspiration and lessons from such efforts.
6. However Excellencies, to do that, cooperation must be based on mutual respect and sovereign equality. It should recognize territorial integrity and sovereignty. It must be built on genuine partnerships, not unilateral agendas. It cannot progress if we cherry-pick global practices, especially of trade and transit.
7. But most of all, our endeavours will progress only when our commitment to the Charter remains firm. It is axiomatic that development and growth requires peace and stability. And as the Charter spelt out, this means being firm and uncompromising in countering the ‘three evils’. If activities across borders are characterized by terrorism, extremism and separatism, they are hardly likely to encourage trade, energy flows, connectivity and people-to-people exchanges in parallel.
Excellencies,
8. Let us contemplate how much we all stand to gain if it was to be otherwise. Our very agenda today in Islamabad gives us a glimpse of those possibilities. Industrial cooperation can enhance competitiveness and expand labour markets. MSME collaboration has positive implications for employment. Our collective endeavours can expand resources and encourage investment flows. Business communities will profit through larger networks. Collaborative connectivity can create new efficiencies. The world of logistics, as indeed of energy, could undergo a sea change. Environmental protection and climate action are ready domains for mutually beneficial exchanges. The treatment of infectious and non-infectious diseases will benefit from accessible and affordable pharmaceutical capabilities. Whether it is health, food or energy security, we are all clearly better off working together. Indeed, even culture, education and sports are promising areas. In effect, there is so much that we can do once we are truly determined to promote that synergy.
Excellencies,
9. From an Indian perspective, our own global initiatives and national endeavours are also strongly relevant for the SCO. The International Solar Alliance promotes renewable energy. The Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure prepares us for climate events. Mission LiFE advocates a sustainable life-style. Practicing Yoga and promoting millets make a difference to wellness and to environment. The Global Biofuel Alliance recognizes the task of energy transition. The International Big Cat Alliance protects our bio-diversity. At home, we have demonstrated the value of digital public infrastructure, just as we have shown the impact of women-led development.
Excellencies,
10. While we each make our contribution, the world order is more than the sum of its parts. As it changes, global institutions do need to keep pace. That is why the case for ‘reformed multilateralism’ gets stronger by the day. Comprehensive reform of the UN Security Council, both in the permanent and non-permanent categories, is essential. I remind you that we recognized in July 2024 at Astana that the credibility and effectiveness of the UN is dependent on ensuring the representation of developing countries through comprehensive reform. Similarly, in the "Pact for the Future” which was adopted at the recent UN General Assembly, our leaders have agreed to reform the Security Council, to make it more representative, inclusive, transparent, efficient, effective, democratic and accountable. The SCO must be in the lead of advocating such change, not hold back on a matter of such importance.
Excellencies,
11. It is imperative that we now renew our resolve to attain the objectives of the SCO. That means recognizing the current constraints on our cooperation and focusing on the pathway forward. It can surely happen when we develop and implement an agenda that is firmly based on an agreed mutuality of interests. To do that, it is equally essential that we abide by the do’s and don’ts so clearly articulated by the Charter. After all, the SCO represents the forces of change on whom much of the world puts such great store. Let us live up to that responsibility.
I thank you for your attention.
Joint Communique of the twenty-third Meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of Member States of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization
Joint Communique of the twenty-third Meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of Member States of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization
On 15-16 October 2024, the twenty-third meeting of the Council of Heads of Government (Prime Ministers) of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (hereinafter referred to as the SCO or the Organization) was held in Islamabad.
It was attended by Prime Minister of the Republic of Belarus R.A. Golovchenko, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of India S. Jaishankar, Minister of Industry, Mine and Trade of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Seyed Mohammad Atabak, Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan O.A.Bektenov, Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China Li Qiang, Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic A.U. Zhaparov, Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation M.V. Mishustin, Prime Minister of the Republic of Tajikistan Kokhir Rasulzoda and Prime Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan A.N. Aripov.
The meeting was chaired by the Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of
Pakistan Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif. The meeting was attended by SCO
Secretary-General Zhang Ming, Director of the Executive Committee of the SCO
Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure R.E. Mirzaev, Chairman of the National Part
of the SCO Business Council from the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Sheikh Atif
Ikram, Chairman of the SCO Interbank Association Council M.T. Elibaev.
The meeting was attended by the Prime Minister of Mongolia L. Oyun-Erdene (SCO
Observer State) and Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Minister of
Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan R. Meredov as a guest of the presiding party,
as well as the heads of the permanent bodies of the CIS and CICA.
The heads of delegations highly appreciated the chairmanship of the Republic of
Kazakhstan in the SCO in 2023-2024 and stressed the importance of implementing
the decisions taken following the outcomes of the meeting of the Council of
Heads of State of the SCO Member States (CHS) in Astana on July 4, 2024.
The Heads of Delegation expressed their support for the People's Republic of
China as the current chair of the Organization for 2024-2025.
The Heads of Delegation noted that the Member States advocate respect for the
right of peoples to independently and democratically choose their political,
social and economic development, emphasising that the principles of mutual
respect for the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of States,
equality, mutual benefit, non-interference in internal affairs, non-use of
force or threat of use of force are the basis for the sustainable development
of international relations. They reaffirm the commitment to the peaceful
settlement of differences and disputes between countries through dialogue and
consultations.
The Heads of Delegation reaffirmed the intention of the Member States to
promote the proposal for the adoption of a Resolution by the UN General
Assembly in connection with the SCO Initiative “On World Unity for a Just
Peace, Harmony and Development”.
Heads of Delegations, taking into account the views of Member States, confirmed
the relevance of initiatives to promote interaction in building a new type of
international relations in the spirit of mutual respect, justice, equality and
mutually beneficial cooperation, as well as the formation of a common vision of
the idea of creating a community of common destiny of mankind and the
development of dialogue on the idea of "One Earth. One Family. One
Future".
The Heads of Delegations reaffirmed that the Member States intend to further
develop cooperation in the spheres of politics and security, trade, economy,
finance and investment, and cultural and humanitarian ties in order to build a
peaceful, safe, prosperous and ecologically clean planet Earth to achieve
harmonious coexistence of man and nature.
The Heads of Delegation noted the tectonic shifts in the global economy,
characterized by rapid advancements and interconnectivity in the areas of
information technology, digitalization, artificial intelligence,
virtual/digital assets, e-commerce, etc. They expressed concern over the
exacerbation of various challenges that have led to reduced investment flows,
disrupted supply chains and uncertainty in global financial markets as a result
of protectionist measures and other impediments to international trade.
The Heads of Delegation consider it important to continue joint efforts to
counter protectionist trade measures that are contrary to WTO rules and
regulations, as well as to continue working on strengthening the rules-based
WTO, non-discriminatory, open, equitable, inclusive and transparent
multilateral trading system, based on the WTO.
They also oppose protectionist actions, unilateral sanctions and trade
restrictions that undermine the multilateral trading system and impede global
sustainable development.
The heads of delegations emphasized that the unilateral application of
sanctions is incompatible with the principles of international law and has a
negative impact on third countries and international economic relations.
The Republic of Belarus, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Republic of
Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the Russian
Federation, the Republic of Tajikistan and the Republic of Uzbekistan while
reaffirming support for the People's Republic of China's One Belt, One Road
(OBOR) initiative, noted ongoing work on joint implementation of the project,
including efforts to bridge the Eurasian Economic Union and OBOR.
The Heads of Delegation stressed that the Member States consider it important
to use the potential of the countries of the region, international
organizations and multilateral associations to create in the SCO region a space
of broad, open, mutually beneficial and equal interaction in accordance with
the norms of international law, mutual respect and consideration of national
interests.
They noted the proposal to create a Greater Eurasian Partnership with the
participation of the SCO, Eurasian Economic Union, Association of Southeast
Asian Nations, as well as other interested states and multilateral
associations.
The Heads of Delegations, advocating the promotion of cooperation within the
framework of the SCO Year of Sustainable Development, considered it important
to pursue sustainable and inclusive economic growth of Member States by
optimizing the region's potential in areas such as green development, digital
economy, trade, e-commerce, finance and banking, investment, high technology,
start-ups and innovation, poverty alleviation, health care, including
traditional and folk medicine, agriculture, industry, transport, logistics
connectivity, energy, including renewable energy, communications, science and
technology, environment and climate change.
The heads of delegations, reaffirming their desire to ensure stable economic
and social development in the SCO region, noted the importance of implementing
the SCO Economic Development Strategy for the period up to 2030 and the Program
of Multilateral Trade and Economic Cooperation of the SCO member states. They
stressed the need for coordinated efforts through the mechanisms of relevant
cooperation in order to implement the respective action plans.
The heads of delegations noted the results of the Meeting of SCO Ministers responsible for foreign economic and foreign trade activities (Islamabad, 12 September 2024) and instructed to ensure the implementation of the Concept for the Establishment of the Base of Economic Preferences of the SCO Member States, the Concept of Cooperation between Trade Promotion Organizations of the SCO Member States and the Framework for Cooperation of the SCO Member States in the Development of Creative Economy.
The heads of delegations, noting the presence of significant potential and opportunities for further building up trade and economic ties, stressed the importance of implementing the Concept of Cooperation in the Development of the "New Economic Dialogue" between the SCO member states.
The heads of delegations believe it is necessary to effectively utilize the digital economy and scientific and technological innovations in order to give a new impetus to economic development and progress in the SCO space, as well as to enhance the competitiveness of the region's economy and potential. They emphasized that technology should benefit everyone.
The Heads of delegations stressed the importance of deepening cooperation in
the field of information security, the relevance of the "digital
divide" issue and advocated for exploring the creation of a mechanism for
cross-border data exchange, taking into account the national legislations of
countries, the introduction of digital technologies in the economic and social
spheres, the development of e-government, electronic payment systems,
e-commerce and other areas of digital business.
They noted the adoption by interested Member states of the Concept for the
Development of Digital Public Infrastructure for the Dissemination of Digital
Technologies among the Population (Digital Inclusion) and the Promotion of
Innovation (New Delhi, May 13, 2023).
The heads of delegations emphasized the importance of regular meetings of the
Special Working Group on Electronic Commerce and noted the proposal to convene
the next meeting in China in the first quarter of 2025 and to develop a draft
Program of Cooperation of the SCO Member States in the field of electronic
commerce.
The Heads of Delegation noted the role of standardization tools in trade
facilitation and called for the promotion of mutually beneficial and equal
interaction between the SCO Member States, as well as the exchange of
experience in these areas.
The Heads of Delegation noted the positive dynamics in the development of
customs cooperation, in particular on projects aimed at simplifying, securing
and strengthening logistics chains in the SCO space, improving customs control
and suppressing smuggling channels.
Recognizing the importance of the work of the Meeting of Industry Ministers of
the SCO Member States, the heads of delegations noted the proposals to hold the
next meeting in 2025. They believe that support for creative industries will
stimulate the competitiveness of economies and industrialization, which will
lead to the expansion of labour markets, including for the benefit of youth, a
reduction in unemployment, and sustainable growth in the SCO member
states.
The Heads of Delegation also advocated the elaboration of the proposal to
create a Data Bank of investment projects in the field of industry of the SCO
Member states and the adoption of the Regulations on the organization of
congress and exhibition events under the auspices of the Meeting of Industry
Ministers of the SCO member states.
The heads of delegations noted the positive experience of the SCO's participation as a partner organization of the INNOPROM International Industrial Exhibition (Ekaterinburg, July 8-11, 2024)
The heads of delegations noted the proposal to establish an exchange of
experience on the implementation of national industrial policy, digital
platforms, production technologies, standardization in the field of IT
solutions.
The heads of delegations noted that the development of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises is important to stimulate economic growth and create jobs. In this regard, they emphasized the need to continue practical interaction under the Memorandum of Understanding on Promoting SCO Cooperation in Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (Qingdao, June 10, 2018).
The Heads of Delegations, stressing the importance of promoting a common vision of the energy future, noted the results of the Meeting of the Ministers of Energy of the SCO Member States (Astana, June 21, 2024). They emphasized the need to continue mutually beneficial cooperation in the energy sector, in particular, in order to develop cross-border energy infrastructure, strengthen energy security on the basis of the Strategy for the Development of Energy Cooperation of the SCO Member States for the period up to 2030 (Astana, July 4, 2024), and instructed to accelerate the development of a “roadmap” for its implementation.
The heads of delegations noted the proposal to prepare a comprehensive plan to stimulate investment and attract technologies in renewable energy. Taking into account the national interests of the Member States, they will continue to promote the development of a full-scale dialogue on energy issues, practical cooperation among energy producers, transit countries and energy consumers.
The heads of delegations welcomed the outcomes of the first Meeting of the
heads of Ministries and Departments of the SCO Member states in the field of
antitrust policy (Dushanbe, May 30, 2024), which made an important contribution
to strengthening cooperation in the field of antitrust regulation and combating
unfair competition in order to create a fair international economic and trade
environment.
The Heads of delegations noted the need to improve the mechanism of external
audit of the Organization by involving the supreme audit institutions of the
SCO Member States with the necessary professional competencies in this
activity. They instructed the heads of the Supreme Audit Institutions to
consider this issue at the next relevant meeting.
The heads of delegations welcomed the establishment of the SCO Investors
Association and instructed the authorized bodies of the SCO Member States to
take measures to establish the practical work of this cooperation mechanism.
They noted the results of the meeting of the Special Working Group on
Investment Promotion of the SCO Member States(Tehran, February 20-22, 2024),
co-chaired by the Republic of Tajikistan and the Islamic Republic of Iran, as
well as the proposal to develop a set of measures to stimulate mutual
investments.
The heads of delegations expressed confidence that the activities of these mechanisms will give a new impetus to cooperation within the SCO in the investment sphere.
Pursuant to the SCO CHS Decision of 4 July 2024 on the mechanisms of financial
support for project activities of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the
heads of delegations instructed the authorized Ministries and Departments of
the Member States to intensify consultations on the establishment of the SCO
Development Bank, the SCO Development Fund (Special Account) and, in the format
of the interested parties, the SCO Investment Fund.
The heads of delegations of the interested SCO member states, noting the
efforts to seek consensus to develop agreed recommendations for the SCO member
states, reaffirmed the need for consistent implementation of the Road Map of
the SCO Member States on gradual increase in the share of national currencies
in mutual settlements (Samarkand, September 16, 2022).
They highlighted proposals for the establishment of an independent
settlement-clearing mechanism, as well as for the convergence of payment
systems by interested member states.
The heads of delegations, stressing the important role of the SCO Business Council (BC) in the development of cooperation between the business communities of the SCO member states, noted the results of the meeting of the SCO BC Board and the SCO Business Forum (Astana, June 28, 2024).
The heads of delegations noted the
efforts of the SCO Interbank Association (IBA) in studying best practices for
implementing ESG-financing between SCO IBA member banks and the introduction of
financial innovations in order to promote sustainable and balanced growth of
national economies.
They noted the intention of the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran to
join the work of the SCO IBA.
The heads of delegations consider the contribution of the BC and IBA to
practical cooperation in the interests of sustainable socio-economic
development in the SCO space to be important.
The heads of delegations noted the work of the Consortium of SCO Economic Think
Tanks, including the preparation of a report on the topic "Improving Trade
and Technological Cooperation between the SCO Member States: proposals and
Further Actions". They welcomed the accession of the Belarusian Institute
for Strategic Studies to the Consortium.
The heads of delegations, reaffirming the special role of the development of
interregional cooperation, noted the results of the Forum of the Heads of SCO
Regions (Omsk, September 17-19, 2024).
They consider the activities of these formats important for strengthening trade
and economic cooperation between the SCO Member States, studying the state and
assessing the prospects of multilateral interaction within the framework of the
Organization.
The heads of delegations noted the importance of building multilateral
cooperation in the field of official statistics for the introduction of best
statistical practices and methodological developments in order to timely
provide the Member states with official statistical information within the
framework of priority directions of trade and economic cooperation.
The heads of delegations confirmed that the member states, sharing the
international community's desire to strengthen interconnectivity, welcome
initiatives of the SCO countries in the transport sphere aimed at developing
mutually beneficial cooperation on a fair and balanced basis in accordance with
international law, the goals and principles of the UN Charter and the SCO
Charter.
They advocated further implementation of the Concept of Cooperation of the SCO
Member States on the Development of Interconnectivity and Creation of Efficient
Transport Corridors (Samarkand, September 16, 2022).
The heads of delegations noted the results of the Meeting of the Transport
Ministers of the SCO Member States(June 20, 2024, VC).
They spoke in favour of the active implementation of the Agreement between the
Governments of the SCO Member States on Establishing Favourable Conditions for
International Road Transport (Dushanbe, 12 September 2014), including regular
meetings of the relevant Joint Commission.
The heads of delegations welcomed the holding of an international, regional conference dedicated to the 10th anniversary of the signing of the above-mentioned intergovernmental agreement (Dushanbe, May 29, 2024).
They instructed relevant ministries and departments to take measures to implement previously adopted conceptual documents in the areas of decarbonization of transport, digital transformation and innovative technologies, and development of ports and logistics centres.
The Heads of Delegation stressed the need for further development of
cooperation in the field of railway transport and welcomed the holding of the
Meeting of the Heads of Railway Administrations (Railways) of the SCO Member
States in Moscow on 27-29 November 2024.
They advocated the use of innovations and the latest technologies, including
digital ones, in multimodal transportation in the railway industry.
The Heads of Delegation emphasized the importance of taking measures to develop
port, logistics and railway infrastructure, scientific and technological
innovations, the development of multi- and intermodal transport, modern
logistics centres and human resources, digitalization, and ensuring safety,
including environmental initiatives, in railway transport.
They called for active, practical cooperation within the framework of the adopted Concept of Cooperation of the SCO Member states in the field of development of ports and logistics centres (Astana, July 4, 2024).
The Heads of Delegations spoke in favor of increasing cooperation in the field
of environmental protection, including biodiversity conservation and waste
management. They instructed the authorized agencies to take measures for
effective implementation of the Statement of the Council of Heads of State of
the SCO Member States on effective waste management adopted on July 4, 2024, in
Astana, the Agreement between the Governments of the SCO Member States on
cooperation in the field of environmental protection and the Program on
development of cooperation between the SCO Member States in the field of
protected areas (specially protected natural territories, protected natural
areas) and eco-tourism. The Heads of Delegations highly appreciated for holding
environmental actions and events within the framework of the SCO Year of
Ecology in 2024.
The heads of delegations noted the importance of implementing the UN General
Assembly resolutions on "Sustainable Mountain Development" on
declaring 2023-2027 as the "Five Years of Action for the Development of
Mountain Regions", as well as the annual celebration of World Glacier Day
on March 21 and the establishment of a trust fund to support glacier
conservation activities.
The Heads of Delegation noted the results of the Meeting of the Heads of Ministries and Departments of the SCO Member states responsible for Environmental Protection (Astana, May 22, 2024) and called for the consistent implementation of the Program for the Creation of a Platform for the Exchange of Information in the Field of Environmental Protection (Beijing, November 1, 2022), adopted by the interested Member States, as well as the Joint Approaches of the SCO Member States to Address Environmental Issues adopted in Astana on May 22, 2024, and the Joint Action Plan for the Implementation The SCO Green Belt Program for 2024-2026 and the Plan for the Implementation of the Concept of Cooperation of the SCO Member States in the Field of Environmental Protection for 2025-2027.
The Heads of Delegations, reaffirming the commitment of the SCO Member States
to cooperate on climate change and overcome its negative consequences through
the exchange of experience and the study of best practices, instructed the
relevant ministries and departments to accelerate the establishment of the
activities of the Special Working Group on Climate Change, including the
adoption of the relevant Regulation. They noted the proposals for the
development of a draft agreement between the governments of the SCO Member
States on cooperation in the field of climate change, as well as on the
creation of the SCO Database on Innovative Environmental Technologies.
They are in favor of developing a dialogue with relevant international
institutions in order to attract investment and finance joint projects and
programs in the field of environmental protection, the introduction of new
environmentally friendly technologies, and increasing the share of the
"green" economy.
The heads of delegations also noted the results of the SCO Forum on Green
Development (Qingdao, July 8-9, 2024).
The heads of delegations, noting the increasing risks of natural disasters,
spoke in favor of further deepening cooperation between emergency agencies,
including in the field of space monitoring of natural disaster risks, the
exchange of operational information and best practices, the holding of seminars
and practical exercises for timely response to emergencies, including ensuring
safety during emergency rescue operations.
They reaffirmed their intention to ensure the implementation of the Action Plan
for 2023-2025 on the implementation of the Agreement between the Governments of
the SCO Member States on Cooperation in Providing Assistance in Emergency
Response (Moscow, 26 October 2005).
The heads of delegations spoke in favour of increasing cooperation of the
Member States in the prevention and treatment of infectious and non-infectious
diseases, ensuring sanitary and epidemiological well-being, digitalization of
healthcare systems, ensuring access to high-quality medicines, and development
of medical tourism in the SCO region. In the context of the results of the SCO
Health Ministers Meeting (Astana, March 14, 2024), they instructed the relevant
Ministries and Departments to ensure the implementation of the adopted Plan of
Basic Measures for the Development of SCO Health Cooperation for 2025-2027, as
well as to accelerate the consideration of the proposal to establish the SCO
Medical Association in the format of interested states.
The heads of delegations noted the results of the Meeting of the Expert Working
Group of the SCO Member States on Traditional Medicine (23 November 2023, VC)
and the SCO International Medical Congress (Bishkek, March 27-29, 2024).
The Heads of Delegations emphasized that in order to ensure sanitary and
epidemiological well-being and improve the preparedness of the Member States to
counter epidemics of infectious diseases, it is necessary to achieve reliable
access to basic sanitation and hygiene services for all. They noted the
proposal to hold the next Meeting of the Heads of Services of the SCO Member
States responsible for ensuring sanitary and epidemiological well-being on
December 12th, 2024, in St. Petersburg, including considering the
implementation of the Statement of the Council of Heads of the SCO Member
States on Ensuring Safe Drinking Water and Sanitation (Astana, July 4, 2024),
as well as the preparation for the draft Agreement on Cooperation of the SCO
Member States in Combating Plague.
The heads of delegations noted the importance of developing further cooperation
in overcoming poverty and increasing the well-being of the population within
the framework of the activities of the Special Working Group (SWG) of the SCO
Member States on poverty reduction issues. The work of the SCO Member States in
this area contributes to the formation of a lifestyle aimed at achieving the
relevant UN Sustainable Development Goals, and also helps to disseminate the
experience of best programs and practices among the SCO Member States. They
noted the results of the meeting of the SWG (December 6th, 2023, VC) and the
thematic expert meeting (September 10th, 2024, VC), as well as the proposal to
develop a programme of cooperation among the SCO Member States on poverty
reduction.
The Heads of Delegation noted the results of the Meeting of the Ministers of
Agriculture of the SCO Member States(29 May 2024, VC), including the approval
of the Programme for the Development of Cooperation in Breeding and Seed
Production of Agricultural Crops between the SCO Member States. They called for
further strengthening cooperation in order to increase mutual trade in
agricultural products and expand the areas of interaction between the Member
States on the basis of previously adopted documents and solutions in the field
of agriculture and food security.
The Heads of Delegation reaffirmed the need for action to strengthen global
food security and improve nutrition and encourage efforts to develop
cooperation in research on climate-resilient and nutritious cereal crops,
including millet, rice, wheat, maize and other traditional crops.
The Heads of Delegation noted the proposal for the participation of the SCO
Member States in the Belagro International Agricultural Exhibition (Minsk, 3-7
June 2025).
The heads of delegations stressed the unwavering commitment of the Member States to respect and preserved traditional values and cultural and civilizational diversity, as well as the need to further deepen cooperation in the humanitarian field by introducing new formats of interaction in education, culture, tourism and sports. They noted the importance of strengthening the global dialogue between religions and cultures, including within the framework of the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions.
The heads of delegations noted the results of the Meeting of Heads of
Ministries and Departments responsible for the development of physical culture
and sports in the SCO Member States(Almaty, 24 May 2024), as well as the need
to accelerate the consideration of the initiatives to establish the Association
of SCO Sports Organizations, establish a Working Group on Physical Culture and
Sports and hold the SCO Sports Games.
The heads of delegations noted the proposal to hold the “Silk Road” mini-football tournament for the SCO Member States Cup in futsal on December 9-18, 2024 in Tehran.
The heads of delegations, noting the
results of the Meeting of the Heads of Tourism Administrations of the SCO
Member States(Almaty, May 24, 2024), spoke in favor of the consistent
implementation of the Agreement between the Governments of the SCO Member
States on the Development of Cooperation in the Field of Tourism (Samarkand,
September 16, 2022) and the SCO Joint Plan of Action in the Field of Tourism
for the period 2024-2025.
The heads of delegations stressed the positive contribution of the annual SCO
marathon in Kunming (People's Republic of China) and Issyk-Kul region (Kyrgyz
Republic) to the development of sports cooperation within the SCO.
The Heads of Delegations attach great importance to holding sports events and
competitions with the participation of SCO Member States, SCO Observer States
and SCO Dialogue Partners in order to strengthen sports ties between the
countries, as well as the development of Olympic, non-Olympic, and Paralympic
and national sports. Recognizing the unique role of physical culture and sport
in strengthening solidarity and peace.
The Heads of Delegations stressed that the SCO Member States will promote the development of international sports cooperation on an equal and depoliticized basis, oppose discrimination against athletes on any grounds, including nationality, language, political and other beliefs, national or social origin.
The heads of delegations, advocating the development of cooperation in the
field of youth policy, noted the role of the SCO Youth Council in strengthening
cooperation between youth organizations and young leaders, including the
results of the SCO Business Incubator event (Moscow and Dubai, 23-28 September
2024).
The Heads of Delegations noted the results of the Meeting of the Heads of
Ministries and Departments of Science and Technology of the SCO Member
States(19 June 2024, VC), at which it was agreed to give priority to the
formation and implementation of mutually interested programs and projects in
the field of scientific and technical cooperation, improving the legal
framework and intensifying scientific and technical cooperation of the SCO
Member States.
The Heads of Delegation highlighted the need to intensify interaction within the framework of the Action Plan on Scientific and Technical Cooperation between the SCO Member States on priority areas (2022-2025) (Samarkand, September 16th, 2022).
The Heads of Delegations believe that in the context of globalization, startups
and innovations play a key role in increasing the competitiveness of states,
and in these regards noted the results of the meeting of the Special Working
Group on Startups and Innovations (November 23, 2023, VC) and the 4th SCO
Startup Forum (New Delhi, March 18-20, 2024).
The Heads of Delegations welcomed the joint efforts of the SCO Member States to
conduct a pilot selection for the joint research and innovation projects within
the SCO, as well as the adoption of a roadmap for the implementation of the
Cooperation Programme of the SCO Member States for the Development of
Artificial Intelligence.
The Heads of Delegations noted the results of the Meeting of the Ministers of
Culture of the SCO Member States(15 May 2024, VC) and emphasized the importance
of further developing cultural cooperation to strengthen friendship and
good-neighbourly relations. They stressed the prospects for cooperation in the
field of culture and noted the proposal to draw up a Calendar of Cultural
Exchanges of the SCO Member States.
The Heads of Delegations spoke in favour of further active implementation of
the Agreement between the Governments of the SCO Member States on Cooperation
in the Protection of Cultural Heritage Sites (Dushanbe, 17 September 2021),
including in order to counter the smuggling of cultural property.
The Heads of Delegations highly appreciated the events within the framework of
the tourist and cultural capital of the SCO in 2023-2024 in Almaty. They
believe that the announcement of the city of Qingdao as the tourist and
cultural capital of the SCO for the period 2024-2025 will also contribute to
unlocking the tourism potential of the region and further strengthening
cooperation in the field of culture.
The Heads of Delegation noted the results of the Meeting of the Ministers of
Education of the SCO Member States(Moscow, 18 April 2024), at which priority
was given to building up cooperation within the SCO University, the development
of cooperation in the field of academic exchanges, joint scientific work, the
organization of vocational education, language training, enhancing youth
interaction, as well as digitalization in the field of education in the SCO
interested Member States.
The heads of delegations emphasize that people-to-people diplomacy contributes
to strengthening mutual understanding and cultural and humanitarian ties within
the SCO. They noted the contribution of the Chinese Committee for
Good-Neighborliness, Friendship and Cooperation, the Center for
People-to-People Diplomacy of the SCO in Uzbekistan, the Center for Cultural
and Integration of the SCO in the Kyrgyz Republic, the Center for Friendship
and Cooperation of the SCO in the Republic of Tajikistan and the National
Center for People-to-People Diplomacy of the SCO in the Russian Federation to
the development of humanitarian cooperation within the Organization.
The Heads of Delegation approved the Report of the SCO Secretariat on the
Events and Meetings held within the framework of the Implementation of the
Programme of Multilateral Trade and Economic Cooperation of the SCO Member
States and the SCO budget for 2025.
Decisions were made on a number of issues related to the financial and
organizational activities of the SCO Permanent Bodies, taking into account the
accession of the Republic of Belarus to the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.
The Heads of Delegation expressed their gratitude to the Islamic Republic of
Pakistan for the successful organization of the twenty-third Meeting of the
Council of Heads of Government (Prime Ministers) of the SCO Member States,
which was held in a constructive and friendly atmosphere.
The next meeting of the Council of Heads of Government (Prime Ministers) of the
SCO Member States will be held in 2025 in the Russian Federation.
1. Prime Minister of the Republic of Belarus, R.A. Golovchenko
2. Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of India, S. Jaishankar
3. Minister of Industry, Mine and Trade of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Seyed Mohammad Atabak
4. Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan O.A.Bektenov
5. Premier of the State Council of
the People's Republic of China
Li Qiang
6. Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic, A.U. Zhaparov
7. Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif
8. Chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation, M.V. Mishustin
9. Prime Minister of the Republic of Tajikistan, Kokhir Rasulzoda
10. Prime Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan, A.N. Aripov
Islamabad, October 16, 2024
Sunday 13 October 2024
Challenges for Omar Abdullah. People have rejected BJP and Modi's- restoration of statehood.
Challenges for Omar Abdullah. People have rejected BJP and Modi's- restoration of statehood.
Peace and stability must prevail before any major decisions can be made. No to militancy. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xBq3-SpRg98
Friday 11 October 2024
SCO Conference, why PTI want to sabotage it? Who will benefitfrom the policies of PTI? Usman Kayani explains.
SCO Conference, why PTI want to sabotage it? Who will benefit from the policies of PTI? Usman Kayani explains.
True nationalists of JK must join hands with the oppressed people of Pakistan. Our struggle is on this side of the LOC. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tS42A_IIu9g
Tuesday 8 October 2024
My speech in the House of Commons on 8 October 2024.
My speech in the House of Commons on 8 October 2024.
House of Commons Committee Room 15
Dr Shabir Choudhry
I start with the name of the Almighty.
Mr President, honourable guests, it is a pleasure to speak to you on this
important topic. To begin with, I want to thank Arif Aajakia for providing
this opportunity to express my views.
1. The topic of the conference is ‘Gross Human Rights Violations in
Pakistan.’ I am not a Pakistani, and you may think, why is it relevant
to me, a citizen of Jammu and Kashmir? Let me explain how it is
relevant to me. We, the people of Jammu and Kashmir, are also
victims of Pakistani oppression, injustice and imperialist policies.
2. Mr Mohammed Ali Jinnah and his followers claim that Pakistan
achieved independence on 14 August 1947 to advance the cause of
Islam and to protect and enhance the fundamental rights of Muslims.
3. However, they fail to tell from whom they achieved this so-called
independence. The fact is that Pakistan was not occupied by anyone,
a country in the name of Pakistan was established by dividing India
in the name of religion in August 1947. Before that, no country
existed with this name, so how could it be occupied?
4. The critics claim that the agenda of Mr Jinnah was to divide India in
the name of religion and promote extremism, hatred and religious
intolerance.
5. The British Raj in the Indian Sub-Continent ended on 15 August 1947.
Mr Jinnah was the Governor General of Pakistan, and no one in the
Muslim League could question the wisdom and decision of Mr Jinnah.
If he had been sincere in establishing the Islamic Shariah, there
would have been no one to oppose him.
6. He should have appointed a prominent Islamic scholar as a Law
Minister if he wanted to establish the Islamic Shariah. Instead, he
appointed a Hindu, Joginder Nath Mandal, Law Minister of Pakistan.
7. Mr Jinnah, on 11 August 1947, while addressing the inaugural session
of Pakistan’s Constituent Assembly said: “You may belong to any
religion or caste or creed – that has nothing to do with the business
of the State … you will find that in course of time Hindus would cease
to be Hindus and Muslims would cease to be Muslims, not in the
religious sense because that is the personal faith of each individual,
but in the political sense as citizens of the State.” 1
8. That was his second goodbye to the Two Nations Theory. The first
time he abandoned the Two Nations Theory was when the Cabinet
Mission visited India in 1946. The above actions should have opened
the eyes of the Pakistani people. Alas, those who are blinded with
love or hatred, could not think logically; and the majority are still
brainwashed into believing that India was partitioned to serve Islam
and help Muslims.
9. On the legal position of Jammu and Kashmir, Mr Jinnah on 13th July
1947, said:
‘The question engaging the Kashmiri Muslims’ attention is whether
Kashmir is going to join the Constituent Assembly of Hindustan or
Pakistan’, stating that he had made it clear more than once that the
Indian States were free to join either Assembly or remain
independent. ‘I have no doubt that the Maharaja and the Kashmir
Government will give their closest attention and consideration to this
matter and realise the interests not only of the Ruler, but also of his
people’. 2
10. Mohammed Ali Jinnah, in another statement, said: ‘Neither the
British Government nor the British Parliament, nor any other power
or body could compel the states to do anything contrary to their own
free will and accord, nor have had any power or sanction of any kind
to do so.’ 3
11. Jammu and Kashmir had a Standstill Agreement with the new
country, Pakistan. According to this Agreement, Pakistan was to
provide all services to Jammu and Kashmir, which the non – Muslims,
the British provided during their rule in this region.
12. Despite this written agreement, Pakistani rulers planned to
invade Jammu and Kashmir. Major General Akbar Khan of Pakistan,
in his book, ‘Raiders in Kashmir’, wrote that two weeks after the
creation of Pakistan, he was ordered to proceed to Murree (a border
town near the Jammu and Kashmir border), and meet some leaders
of the Muslim Conference, including Sardar Ibrahim Khan to
formulate a strategy for the liberation of Kashmir.
13. In his ‘appreciation’, Armed Revolt Inside Kashmir’, Major
General Akbar Khan highlighted the strategic, military and economic
importance of Jammu and Kashmir. To him, if Jammu and Kashmir
became part of India, then India could:
‘Establish such stations anywhere within a few miles of the 180-mile-
long vital road and rail route between Lahore and Pindi. In the event
of war, these stations would be a dangerous threat to our most
important civil and military lines of communication. If we were to
protect this route properly, it would take a major portion of our army
to do so, and we would thereby dangerously weaken our front at
Lahore. If we were to concentrate our strength at the front, we would
give India the chance to cut off Lahore, Sialkot, Gujrat and even
Jhelum from our military base at Rawalpindi’. 4
14. Major General Akbar Khan further writes that even in peacetime
the situation could not be acceptable because Pakistan ‘would be
permanently exposed to a threat of such magnitude that our
independence would never be a reality’. 5
15. After giving details of the economic importance of Jammu and
Kashmir and how Pakistan heavily relies on this he concluded:
‘Kashmir’s accession is not simply a matter of desirability but an
absolute necessity for our separate existence’. 6
16. Sadly, many Muslim citizens of Jammu and Kashmir are still
under the influence of the Pakistani propaganda that Pakistan cares
and loves the people of Jammu and Kashmir, and that Pakistan will
help them to obtain independence. The Pakistani rulers planned this
military operation, generally known as the ‘tribal invasion’ in the
name of jihad to protect Pakistani military, strategic and economic
interests; and the welfare of the people was not their concern.
17. Tens of thousands of innocent citizens of Jammu and Kashmir
died, as a direct result of this Pakistani-sponsored ‘jihad’ in 1947. In
Baramulla, alone, according to Major General Akbar Khan, out of
14,000 inhabitants, only 3,000 survived. The rest perished in the first
Pakistani-sponsored ‘jihad’ in Jammu and Kashmir. 7
18. Mr Jinnah claimed he wanted to have a separate country for
Muslims so that they could practice Islam and live in peace. Is there
peace in Pakistan? Are the people of Pakistan in peace? Are the
neighbours of Pakistan in peace? Are minorities of Pakistan live in
peace? The answer to these questions is a big no because, from day
one they adopted hawkish and imperialist policies.
19. The Holy Quran very clearly asserted that Muslims must honour
their pledges and agreements; but instead of honouring their pledges
in accordance with Islamic teaching, they unilaterally violated the
Agreement and attacked Jammu and Kashmir to occupy the State.
Pakistan used proxies, tribesmen, and their army to attack a small
neighbour.
20. The rulers of Pakistan did not care about Islamic obligations to
neighbours and agreements. The invaders were told that everything
was theirs, and what was not removable belonged to Pakistan, for
example, land, buildings, mountains etc.
21. A clear meaning of that to the proxy warriors was, they are at
liberty to loot and plunder, kidnap women, rape them or take them
to Pakistan to make them their wives or sell them. This, the brute
warriors did without showing any mercy to women, children and the
old.
22. Tens of thousands of innocent men and women were butchered,
houses and shops looted and burnt; and hundreds of women raped
and kidnapped. Many women jumped into rivers and wells to save
their dignity and honour.
23. These greedy monsters did not even spare religious places like
churches, mosques, and temples. It is sad to note that most of their
victims, those who were raped and killed, were non – Muslims.
24. However, when it came to looting and plunder, they showed some
kind of ‘equality’ – while looting and plundering religious sentiments
and conscience were not a problem - all citizens of Jammu and
Kashmir were their targets. On the issue of killing other human
beings, their prime targets were non – Muslims, but they justified the
killing of those Muslims who tried to save non – Muslims.
25. I must confess that many Muslims belonging to the present-day so-
called Azad Kashmir were also manipulated in the name of ‘Jihad’
against the Hindu Maharaja and his non-Muslim subjects. Many
people also became part of the gangs that attacked Jammu and
Kashmir and committed crimes against innocent non – Muslims of
Jammu and Kashmir.
26. The Pakistani manipulators and rulers presented these people as
heroes to the people of Pakistan and the so-called Azad Kashmir, and
sadly, some people still regard them as heroes. To me, they were
collaborators who helped those who wanted to occupy our land and
kill and rape our people.
27. Another bitter fact is the role of Muslim soldiers in Maharaja Hari
Singh’s army. These men were under oath to protect the life of the
Maharaja, protect his family and his State of Jammu and Kashmir. In
return these soldiers were trained, provided with weapons, bullets,
and uniforms and they were paid a salary.
28. Sadly, when the Maharaja Hari Singh’s State was attacked by
Pakistan and their proxies, these soldiers betrayed their oath. Instead
of fighting the invaders and protecting the sanctity and integrity of
their motherland – the state of Jammu and Kashmir- they under the
influence of hate preachers and invaders of Pakistan sided with those
who wanted to invade the State and kill and rape innocent citizens of
Jammu and Kashmir.
29. The Pakistani manipulators and hate mongers convinced these
collaborators that what they did (betrayal of their oaths) was
wonderful because they were doing this for the sake of Islam.
30. For the Pakistani rulers and the hate mongers violating oaths and
blatantly ignoring treaty obligations and neighbourly responsibilities
was not a big issue. And that they were heroes as they helped to
invade parts of Jammu and Kashmir and kill Kaffirs (non–Muslims).
31. The Ruler of Jammu and Kashmir, Maharaja Hari Singh, under those
conditions, was not able to defend his state and his people. He
requested India for help. They said they can only help If they accede6
to India. To save his state and his people he acceded to India on 26
October 1947.
32. As a direct result of the Pakistani military adventure, the Ruler of
Jammu and Kashmir had to accede to India, and our motherland was
forcibly divided between India and Pakistan. All our problems, death
and destruction, rapes, kidnappings, separation of families,
imprisonments and torture are because of that unwise Pakistani
attack that was carried out on 22 October 1947.
33. During the British Raj, leaders of the Muslim League and the Congress
were allowed to select their candidates for the elections. Even in
Jammu and Kashmir, the political parties were allowed to select their
candidates. However, we, the people of the so-called Azad Kashmir,
in 2024, are not allowed to select our candidates. These decisions are
taken by Pakistani leaders like Asif Zardari, Nawaz Sharif and Imran
Khan.
34. When Anwar Ul Haq was elected the Prime Minister of the so-
called Azad Kashmir, he did not declare his cabinet for many weeks.
There were rumours that he had no control over the Assembly
members. One journalist asked him if he was having problems in
forming a government because he did not declare his cabinet. He said
with a smile, I have full control, and I have sent a list of the cabinet
members to Islamabad. Once they approve the list, I will announce
it.
35. I know Anwar Ul Haq very well; he shrewdly told his people
what kind of independence they had. There are many layers of control
in the so-called Azad Kashmir. Briefly, they are as follows:
• No one is allowed to contest elections if they do not declare their
allegiance to Pakistan.
• Even to apply for a government job or a job in a government-
controlled organisation, one has to declare allegiance to Pakistan.
• There are four Lent Officers sent from Pakistan who control all the
affairs of the government. These officers are the Chief Secretary, IG
Police, Accountant General and Secretary Finance.
• Ministry of Kashmir Affairs also controls them.
• Jammu and Kashmir Council, headed by the Chief Executive of
Pakistan and six Pakistani Ministers also control certain important
matters of so-called Azad Kashmir.
• The premier secret agency, ISI, of Pakistan not only controls the
politics of Pakistan, but it also controls all matters of Jammu and
Kashmir, including militancy.
• Apart from the ISI, there are eight other secret agencies of Pakistan
which operate in this region.
• Above all the GOC Murree, Major General of Pakistan stationed in
Murree, who exerts considerable control on all matters of Jammu and
Kashmir.
• It will be pertinent to give an example of this control. One Azad
Kashmiri Prime Minister appointed an officer in the government, and
this appointment was made public. At that time, there was no social
media as we know it now, and people generally communicated by
phone or fax. The PM office received a fax from the GOC Murree
asking who made this appointment. There was panic in the PM Office,
and they replied by saying, ‘a competent authority has made this
appointment.’ Within a minute, an authoritative fax was sent to the
PM office: ‘The competent authority is advised not to make any
appointments without clearing with the GOC Murree.’
36. This explains what kind of independence we people of so-called
Azad Kashmir have. All aspects of political, social and economic are
controlled by Islamabad, and sadly, despite this, some people of so-
called Azad Kashmir shamelessly claim they are independent.
References:
1/ https://criterion-quarterly.com/jinnahs-11-august-1947-
speech/#:~:text=There%20was%20no%20ambiguity%20whatever,the%
20religious%20sense%20because%20that
2/ Transfer of Power, Vol. XI, page 128
3/ Rao, Guru Raj, Legal Aspects of the Kashmir Problem, page 357.
4/ Raiders in Kashmir, Major General Akbar Khan, page 9
5/ Ibid, page 10
6/ Ibid, page 10
7/ Ibid, page 29
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)