Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — On 15-16 October, a meeting of the Council of Prime Ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member states was held in Islamabad, Pakistan. On October 16, Prime Minister of Uzbekistan Abdulla Aripov attended the summit.

The event was chaired by Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Shahbaz Sharif and included participation from Prime Minister of Belarus Roman Golovchenko, Minister of External Affairs of India Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Minister of Industry, Mining, and Trade of Iran Mohammad Atabak, Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Olzhas Bektanov, Premier of the State Council of China Li Qiang, Prime Minister of Kyrgyzstan Akylbek Japarov, Chairman of the Government of Russia Mikhail Mishustin, Prime Minister of Tajikistan Kohir Rasulzoda, SCO Secretary-General Zhang Ming, and Director of the Executive Committee of the SCO Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure Ruslan Mirzaev.

Observers and distinguished guests included Prime Minister of Mongolia Luvsannamsrain Oyun-Erdene, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers - Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov, Deputy Secretary-General of the CIS Denis Trefilov, and Deputy Secretary-General of the Council for Cooperation and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia Zhang Lin.

The meeting focused on the deteriorating international situation, declining mutual trust among states, increasing contradictions and competition, and threats to ecology, food, and energy security, which intensify geopolitical tensions.

In his speech at the SCO summit in Astana, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev noted, "In such difficult conditions, it is crucial to maintain and strengthen adherence to the principles laid down at the foundation of the SCO. Thanks to these principles, the Organization has achieved today’s successes, gaining high authority and a stabilizing role in international affairs."

The Prime Minister of Uzbekistan emphasized that, considering the enormous economic potential of our countries, coordinated efforts will strengthen multifaceted partnerships within the Organization. He urged support for the proposals and initiatives voiced by the head of Uzbekistan at the Council of Heads of State meeting of the SCO in Astana.

It was highlighted that joint measures should be taken to eliminate trade barriers, align technical regulations and certification systems, and enhance phytosanitary and veterinary controls.

To stimulate mutual investments, particularly in infrastructure, high-tech industries, and services, it was proposed to develop comprehensive measures and create an effective platform for business dialogue by organizing an annual international industrial exhibition, SCO EXPO.

Special attention was given to the projects for the construction of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway and the Trans-Afghan Corridor.

The meeting also noted that Uzbekistan is implementing a comprehensive program for the accelerated development of "green" energy. In particular, new capacities for producing around 2 GW of solar and wind energy are being introduced annually, and practical work has begun on producing "green" hydrogen in industry.

Considering the trend towards low-carbon development, it was proposed to develop a wide-ranging cooperation plan to attract investments and technologies in renewable energy sources with the assistance of the energy ministries of our countries.

The meeting discussed the development of the IT sector and digital technologies, improving living standards, ensuring food security, combating climate change, and strengthening mutual trust, good neighborliness, and friendship.

As a result of the meeting, several documents were signed.