ISLAMABAD (The Thursday Times) — The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit 2024, to be held in Pakistan on October 15-16, is shaping up to be a significant geopolitical event. The summit will convene heads of government from several Eurasian nations, focusing on key issues such as security, economic cooperation, and regional stability. This year’s summit is particularly important as it reflects Pakistan’s strategic ambitions, given its current chairmanship of the SCO’s Council of Heads of Government (CHG), the organisation’s second-highest decision-making forum.
SCO member states attending
The SCO was established in 2001 by China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Over the years, it has grown to include Pakistan and India, both of which joined in 2017, as well as Iran, which became a full member in 2023. The SCO is now the world’s largest regional organisation, covering about 60% of Eurasia and representing nearly 40% of the world’s population.
China
China plays a pivotal role in the SCO. At the 2024 summit, Chinese Premier Li Qiang is expected to attend, further strengthening China’s influence within the region. China’s participation is particularly critical in discussions around economic development and connectivity projects, such as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which aims to boost infrastructure links across Eurasia. Additionally, the summit will likely address the ongoing development of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a key part of BRI that is crucial to both countries.
Russia
Another major player, Russia, will be represented by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin. Russia has been a core member of the SCO since its inception and is actively involved in discussions surrounding security, counter-terrorism, and trade cooperation. As Pakistan seeks to improve its trade ties with Russia, the summit could offer opportunities to deepen bilateral economic relations.
India
India’s participation in the 2024 summit is noteworthy due to its complex relationship with both China and Pakistan. The country’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is expected to attend, marking the first high-level Indian visit to Pakistan in nine years.
Despite ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan, particularly over issues like Kashmir, India’s presence at the summit underscores the importance of regional diplomacy and economic cooperation. The SCO’s focus on combating terrorism and promoting trade connectivity offers potential for India to engage constructively with its neighbors.
Iran
Iran joined the SCO as a full member in 2023, and the 2024 summit will be the first opportunity for the newly elected Iranian leadership to participate at this high level. Iran’s involvement in the SCO is seen as a critical move toward deepening its ties with regional powers such as Russia and China. For Pakistan, this presents an opportunity to engage with Iran on issues of regional security and economic collaboration.
Central Asian States
The original founding members of the SCO—Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan—will also send their heads of government to the summit. These nations play a crucial role in the SCO’s regional stability framework, particularly concerning counter-terrorism efforts. Their participation is vital in addressing shared security concerns, economic development, and the advancement of infrastructure projects.
What’s on the agenda?
A key focus of the 2024 SCO Summit will be enhancing security across the region. The Regional Anti-Terrorism Structure (RATS), a specialised body within the SCO, will play a prominent role in discussions aimed at combating terrorism, extremism, and cross-border crime. Given the rise of terrorism in the region, including recent incidents in Pakistan, these security discussions are of paramount importance to all attending nations.
Another critical topic will be economic collaboration, particularly regarding infrastructure development and trade connectivity. The summit will provide a platform for discussions around enhancing trade links, promoting investment, and integrating regional economies. Pakistan, in particular, is looking to leverage its role as a connector between South Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East.
China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)
A significant point of interest will be the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which is part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative. The 2024 summit will likely see further discussions on expanding CPEC projects, with a focus on increasing regional connectivity and investment in infrastructure.
Climate change, sustainability
For the first time, climate change will also be a core topic. Member states will discuss how to address the impacts of climate change through sustainable practices and climate-resilient infrastructure. This aligns with the SCO’s broader goals of promoting environmental protection and sustainable development.
Importance for Pakistan
Pakistan’s role as the host of the 2024 SCO Summit is strategically significant. As the current chair of the Council of Heads of Government, Pakistan has an opportunity to position itself as a key facilitator of dialogue on regional cooperation. The summit allows Pakistan to strengthen its relationships with major powers such as China and Russia while fostering collaboration with Central Asian states.
Hosting the summit also gives Pakistan the platform to address domestic and regional security concerns, especially in light of recent terrorist attacks that have raised concerns about stability in the region. Additionally, Pakistan will use the summit to highlight its economic potential, particularly in terms of trade and infrastructure projects like CPEC.