Abdulla Aripov discusses the trans-afghan corridor at the SCO meeting in Islamabad

On October 15-16, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Council of Government Leaders convened in Islamabad, Pakistan, where the construction projects of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway and the Trans-Afghan Corridor were highlighted as particularly significant. The information was conveyed by Bekzod Hidoyatov, the press secretary of the Prime Minister of Uzbekistan.

During the event, chaired by the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Shahboz Sharif, several prominent leaders participated, including Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov of Uzbekistan, Prime Minister Roman Golovchenko of Belarus, India's Minister of Foreign Affairs Subramanyam Jaishankar, Iran's Minister of Industry, Mines and Trade Mohammad Atabak, Kazakhstan's Prime Minister Oljas Bektenov, China’s Premier Li Qian, Kyrgyzstan’s Prime Minister Akhilbek Japarov, Russia's Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, Tajikistan’s Prime Minister Kahir Rasulzoda, SCO General Secretary Zhang Min, and Director of the Executive Committee of the Organization's Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure Ruslan Mirzaev.

Observers and honored guests included Mongolia’s Prime Minister Luvsannamsrayin Oyun-Erdene, Turkmenistan’s Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Foreign Affairs Minister Rashid Meredov, Deputy Secretary General of the Commonwealth of Independent States Denis Trefilov, and Deputy Secretary General of the Council for Cooperation and Confidence Building Measures in Asia Zhang Lin.

During the meeting, participants acknowledged the escalating international situation, characterized by diminishing mutual trust, increasing confrontation, and heightened geopolitical tensions arising from ecological, food, and energy security threats.

Prime Minister Aripov emphasized the significant economic potential of the member countries and stressed the need for collaborative efforts to enhance multilateral partnerships within the organization. He called for support for his proposals and initiatives.

He also highlighted the importance of implementing joint measures to eliminate trade barriers, harmonize technical regulations and certification, and enhance phytosanitary and veterinary control systems.

"To promote mutual investments, especially in infrastructure, high-tech industries, and the service sector, I propose organizing the SCO EXPO international industrial exhibition annually to establish an effective business communication platform," noted Hidoyatov.

Furthermore, the significance of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway and the Trans-Afghan Corridor projects was reiterated. It was reported that Uzbekistan is implementing a comprehensive program for the rapid development of "green" energy, introducing approximately 2 GW of solar and wind energy generation capacity annually, and has begun practical work on the industrial production of "green" hydrogen.

In light of the transition to low-carbon development, a proposal was made to the energy ministries of member countries to devise a comprehensive cooperation plan aimed at attracting investments and technologies in renewable energy sources.

The meeting also focused on various issues, including the development of the IT sector and digital technologies, improving living standards, ensuring food security, effective cooperation in combating climate change, and strengthening mutual trust, good neighborliness, and friendship.

After the meeting, several important documents were signed.