British News Agency

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, speaking at the summit hosted by Kyrgyzstan, announced that his country would assume the SCO chairmanship in 2027 and delivered messages on counterterrorism, water security and regional cooperation.

Sharing his assessment of the summit, Sharif said, "Today, I was honored to address the SCO Council of Heads of State meeting in Bishkek as Pakistan assumes the SCO chairmanship for 2027. I congratulated the Kyrgyz Republic on successfully hosting the summit and steering the Organization with distinction."

Referring to the SCO's regional role and the fight against terrorism, Sharif said, "Guided by the Shanghai Spirit, the SCO has emerged as a vital forum for regional cooperation over the past 25 years. Recalling Pakistan's immense sacrifices in the fight against terrorism, I reiterated that terrorism must be condemned in all its forms and manifestations."

Highlighting the protection of water resources and the theme of the chairmanship, Sharif concluded his statement by saying, "I also reminded the SCO family that water is the lifeblood of our region: water must never be weaponized, and binding agreements governing shared waters must be respected in both letter and spirit. Pakistan will conduct its chairmanship under the theme: 'Turning Vision into Action: Connectivity, Innovation and Shared Prosperity.'"