By Diplo Insight | July 2025
TIANJIN, CHINA — Pakistan reiterated its steadfast commitment to regional cooperation and multilateral diplomacy as Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar represented the country at the high-level engagements of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Council of Foreign Ministers in Tianjin on Tuesday.
The highlight of the visit was a joint call of all SCO foreign ministers with Chinese President Xi Jinping, where President Xi emphasized the strategic importance of unity and cooperation among SCO member states in the face of shared global challenges. Representing a region that spans across the Eurasian landmass and encompasses nearly half of the world’s population, the SCO continues to serve as a vital platform for regional peace, connectivity, and socio-economic growth.
DPM Dar’s Bilateral Diplomacy in Action
On the sidelines of the SCO Council of Foreign Ministers meeting, Deputy Prime Minister Dar engaged in a series of bilateral meetings with his counterparts from key Central Asian and Eurasian nations — a move that further strengthened Pakistan’s diplomatic outreach and regional partnerships.
Meeting with Kyrgyzstan
In a warm and forward-looking exchange with Kyrgyz Foreign Minister Zheenbek Kulubaev, both sides reaffirmed their longstanding bilateral relationship and discussed avenues to deepen cooperation in trade, energy, regional security, and cultural exchanges. The meeting symbolized the mutual will to advance Pakistan-Kyrgyz ties in a spirit of trust and mutual benefit.
Engagement with Kazakhstan
DPM Dar also held a constructive meeting with Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu, where both leaders reiterated their desire to further deepen bilateral ties and explore enhanced collaboration in regional and multilateral forums. They recognized the potential for joint initiatives in infrastructure development, connectivity projects, and people-to-people linkages.
Wider SCO Engagements
In addition to these bilateral talks, Deputy Prime Minister Dar met with the foreign ministers of Iran, Uzbekistan, and Belarus, using the occasion as a platform to foster mutual understanding, policy coordination, and shared vision for a stable and prosperous Eurasian region.
In a statement following these engagements, Dar posted on X (formerly Twitter), calling the meetings a:
“Valuable opportunity to exchange views and reinforce regional cooperation during these challenging times.”
Pakistan’s Active Role in Regional Multilateralism
Pakistan’s active participation in the SCO aligns with its broader foreign policy vision of regional connectivity, peace through diplomacy, and socio-economic development. The country continues to view the SCO as a key forum for constructive engagement, particularly on issues such as regional security, counter-terrorism, energy cooperation, and infrastructure development.
Under the leadership of DPM Ishaq Dar, Pakistan’s foreign policy remains deeply rooted in mutual respect, regional solidarity, and multilateral collaboration — essential principles in today’s interconnected world.
Diplo Insight Commentary:
Pakistan’s engagements in Tianjin mark a renewed momentum in regional diplomacy. The proactive bilateral meetings, combined with participation in the collective SCO ministerial, highlight Islamabad’s strategic focus on Eurasian partnerships. As global challenges mount, platforms like the SCO — where Pakistan plays an increasingly visible role — offer a hopeful model of regional cooperation and shared prosperity.
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