DPM Dar Arrives in Moscow for Key SCO Summit

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar arrived in Moscow, Russia, on November 17, 2025, to participate in the high-level summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). The visit underscores Pakistan's commitment to multilateral diplomacy and its active role within the significant regional grouping.

Mr. Dar's presence at the SCO Council of Heads of Government meeting, or a similar high-level gathering, is a crucial aspect of Pakistan's foreign policy engagement. The SCO, founded in 2001, is a prominent intergovernmental organization focused on security, economic cooperation, and cultural exchange across Eurasia. Its member states represent a substantial portion of the world's population and economic output, making its deliberations impactful on regional and global affairs.

Pakistan became a full member of the SCO in 2017, a move that solidified its strategic position in the region and provided a platform for enhanced cooperation with Central Asian states, Russia, China, and other key partners. The nation views the SCO as a vital forum for addressing shared challenges, particularly those related to regional security, counter-terrorism, and economic development.

Participation at such a senior level allows Pakistan to articulate its perspectives on critical regional and international issues. Beyond the formal agenda of the summit, these gatherings often provide invaluable opportunities for bilateral meetings with leaders and foreign ministers of other member states. Such interactions are instrumental in strengthening diplomatic ties, resolving outstanding matters, and exploring new avenues for cooperation.

The summit's agenda is expected to cover a range of pressing issues, including regional security challenges, economic integration initiatives, and connectivity projects. Pakistan's active involvement in these discussions is vital for promoting its national interests, fostering stability in its neighbourhood, and contributing to collective security efforts against threats such as terrorism and extremism.

From an economic standpoint, the SCO platform offers significant potential for Pakistan to enhance trade, investment, and energy cooperation with member countries. Discussions on regional connectivity projects, transit trade routes, and infrastructure development are often central to these summits, aligning with Pakistan's vision for greater economic integration and prosperity.

Looking ahead, the outcomes of the Moscow summit are anticipated to shape the SCO's future direction and its collective response to evolving regional dynamics. Any joint statements or agreements reached will likely guide subsequent policy decisions and collaborative initiatives among member states, impacting various sectors from security to trade.

Pakistan's continued engagement through high-level representation like that of Deputy Prime Minister Dar reaffirms its dedication to a foreign policy that prioritises regional cooperation and multilateralism. Such visits are integral to advancing Pakistan's strategic objectives and reinforcing its standing as a responsible and active member of the international community.