External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar emphasised the
significance of the ‘centrality’ of interests of Central Asian countries in
overcoming the global challenges and called for the ‘closer cooperation’ within
the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) countries on Thursday.
“Today when the world is facing challenges, looming
economic recession, broken supply chains, food and energy insecurity this calls
for closer cooperation with the SCO, in this context, the centrality of the
interests of Central Asian States plays a key role,” he said.
Addressing the SCO Heads of Government meeting in Kyrgystan’s
Bishkek, Jaishankar noted the overwhelming debts on the Global South from ‘opaque’
initiatives and said that the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor and
International North-South Transport Corridor will bring economic stability to
the region.
He added, “We should bear in mind that the Global
South should not be saddled with unviable debt arising from opaque initiatives.
I am confident that the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor and the
International North-South Transport Corridor could become enablers in bringing
economic prosperity to the region.”
Speaking on behalf of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in
the meeting, Jaishankar said further, “India is keen to partner with Member
States for sustainable, mutually beneficial and financially viable solutions.
As we strive to improve trade within the region, we need robust connectivity
and infrastructure. India has accorded utmost priority to these domains in its
own developmental journey, at the same time connectivity initiatives should
always respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries.”
The External Affairs Minister earlier tweeted a video
of the opening ceremony that featured a Hindi song. “And as the SCO meet in
Bishkek starts…” he posted on X.
Jaishankar arrived in Bishkek for the 22nd SCO Council
of Heads of Government held under the chairmanship of Kyrgyzstan on Wednesday.
“Thank Deputy FM Moldogaziev for the warm reception.
Look forward to productive exchanges at the SCO; meeting Kyrgyz leadership and
taking forward our bilateral agenda,” he added.
The External Affairs Minister also called on President
Sadyr Zhaparov of the Kyrgyz Republic.
“Delighted to call on President Sadyr Zhaparov of
Kyrgyz Republic.Conveyed the personal greetings of PM @narendramodi. Discussed
cooperation in banking, energy, health and pharma, defense, agriculture and
investments. Conveyed India’s support for the successful Kyrgyz Presidency of
SCO Council of Heads of Government,” Jaishankar posted.
Jaishankar also met his counterpart from Kyrgyzstan
Zheenbek Kulubaev and discussed a range of issues.
“Good to see my old friend FM Zheenbek Kulubaev in
Bishkek. Spoke about strengthening India-Kyrgyz cooperation in the fields of
trade and economy, development projects, health and education. Also exchanged
views on Afghanistan, West Asia and connectivity,” Jaishankar posted on X.
The October 25-26 meeting in the Kyrgyz capital city
of Bishkek will be attended by the heads of governments of China, Kazakhstan,
Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, the Vice-President of Iran, and
the foreign ministers of India and Pakistan.
SCO observer States including Belarus and Mongolia as
well as guest States Turkmenistan also attended the meeting.
ANI
