On 15-16 October 2024, Ms. Zhang Ling, Deputy Secretary General of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA), attended the 23rd meeting of the Council of Heads of Government (CHG) of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), held in Islamabad under the chairmanship of Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif. The event brought together the heads of government of the SCO member states, observer states, as well as representatives of international organizations.
During the meeting, participants discussed the organization's current activities, achievements and prospects for deepening cooperation in light of the new realities. Special attention was given to trade and economic cooperation, the development of the digital economy, the environmental agenda, transport connectivity, green development and the fight against poverty. Traditionally, the SCO CHG approved the budget for the coming year, as well as made decisions on further intensification of cooperation in key areas.
CICA and the SCO share common goals of maintaining peace, stability and security in the region, promoting a multilateral approach and enhancing dialogue. In 2014, a memorandum of understanding was signed between the organizations' secretariats, ensuring regular invitations to high-level meetings.
