Islamabad, Sep 13

Sartaj Aziz, adviser to Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on national security and foreign affairs, who is leading a delegation to the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting, met Kyrgyz Foreign Minister Erlan Abdyldaev Bekeshovitch in Bishkek Thursday.

Aziz informed the Kyrgyz minister about the "new government's focus on trade and development and shared Pakistan's vision on regional connectivity with particular reference to Pakistan-China Economic Corridor", said a foreign office statement here.

He also highlighted Pakistan's continued engagement with SCO and looked forward to work closely with it.

Pakistan enjoys Observer status in SCO and its full membership is currently under consideration by SCO members. Pakistan believes that SCO can play an important role in promoting regional trade and economic cooperation. 

The SCO promises vast opportunities for peace and economic prosperity of the region, said the statement.

Both the foreign ministers agreed that the "excellent relationship at the political level required to be translated into other areas in particular trade and economy. In that respect the importance of activating the existing mechanisms of joint economic commission and business council were stressed". 

The 13th Summit of the Heads of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) is being held in Kyrgyz capital Bishkek Friday.

By:IANS

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