ISLAMABAD, July 26: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar concluded his regional diplomatic tour after holding a series of high-level bilateral meetings with the foreign ministers of Central Asian countries and Belarus on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Foreign Ministers’ meeting in Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyzstan. The discussions focused on strengthening Pakistan’s strategic partnerships, enhancing regional connectivity, expanding trade and investment, and promoting cooperation in energy, defence, and multilateral forums.
During his meeting with Kazakhstan’s Foreign Minister Yermek Kosherbayev, both sides agreed to deepen collaboration in transport, investment, and people-to-people exchanges. The Kazakh foreign minister invited Dar to visit Kazakhstan, an invitation he accepted, reaffirming both countries’ commitment to stronger bilateral relations.
In talks with Uzbekistan’s Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov, the two leaders reviewed progress in bilateral ties and stressed the importance of increasing engagement between the business communities of both countries. They agreed to accelerate efforts aimed at boosting trade, investment, regional connectivity, and economic integration.
Dar also met Tajikistan’s Foreign Minister Sirojiddin Muhriddin, where both sides discussed strengthening cooperation in trade, energy, connectivity, security, and regional affairs. They reaffirmed their commitment to expanding collaboration through bilateral and multilateral platforms while promoting peace and stability across the region.
In a separate meeting with Belarusian Foreign Minister Maksim Ryzhenkov, the two leaders reviewed the progress of bilateral cooperation and explored opportunities to expand collaboration in trade, investment, industry, agriculture, and technology. They also exchanged views on regional and international developments of mutual interest.
According to Pakistan’s Foreign Office, the meetings reflected Islamabad’s commitment to strengthening ties with Central Asian states and Belarus, promoting regional connectivity, and enhancing cooperation through the SCO framework. Dar reiterated Pakistan’s desire to expand economic partnerships, improve transport and energy links, and work closely with regional partners to ensure peace, stability, and sustainable development across the region.
