Ambasador: SCO inclusion of South Asia unlocks vast potential

"The inclusion of South Asia unlocks vast potential" for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization's work in the areas of security, environment, trade and economic development, Pakistani Ambassador to China Masood Khalid told China Daily.

India and Pakistan are well on their way toward becoming members of the six-nation, trans-Eurasia SCO. The SCO - with a focus on regional stability and combatting terror - currently groups China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

"With its membership now intersecting south and central Asia, the SCO in the future can provide a vital platform for promoting regional peace and security as well as implementing trans-regional economic connectivity projects," the ambassador said.

He noted that Pakistan, located at the confluence of South Asia and Central Asia, is "well-positioned to promote such a prolific role for the SCO in the future".

On the top priorities for future joint efforts, along with the existing member states, Khalid said the fight against terrorism is "indeed one of the top goals".

"Counter narcotics and improving border security are also areas that merit attention," he said, adding that other areas of focus were the environment, water resources, and providing relief after natural disasters.

The diplomat said Pakistan would be supportive of the SCO's role in transboundary economic projects, and that SCO member states should work in concert to facilitate and implement "the One Belt, One Road initiative", a transcontinental program proposed by China which will boost connectivity and trade.

"This visionary project can significantly improve the economic and the social landscape of our region," he said.

The ambassador also expressed confidence about changes to be made within the SCO framework as well as the future coexistence of Pakistan and India in the organization.

Some observers have said the expansion of the membership may lead to changes in the structure, staffing, and languages used within the SCO.

Khalid voiced optimism about addressing the potential changes in technicality issues as he said such changes are the "natural evolution of an international organization".

"For now, we are striving to improve our knowledge of Russian and Chinese languages to navigate through the SCO. Since the spirit of SCO is friendly, I am sure all teething problems will be settled in a cordial manner," he said.

Some diplomats and analysts voiced optimism as they believe the SCO will help ease potential areas of difficulty between Pakistan and India after they are admitted while others saw possible obstacles ahead.

In a response, the ambassador said: "I will side with those who are optimistic. Both Pakistan and India share a number of multilateral tables and the SCO is not unique in that respect."

zhangyunbi@chinadaily.com.cn