NEW DELHI: External affairs minister S Jaishankar on Thursday called for closer cooperation among SCO nations under the prevailing global situation, and emphasised that the centrality of interests of Central Asian states will play a significant role.
Addressing the opening of the SCO Heads of Government meeting in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, Jaishankar said, “Today when the world is facing challenges, looming economic recession, broken supply chains, food and energy insecurity this calls for closer cooperation with the SCO. In this context, the centrality of the interests of Central Asian States plays a key role.”
Highlighting the significance of the proposed India-Middle EastEurope Economic Corridor and the International North-South Transport Corridor, the external affairs minister further said,
“We should bear in mind that the Global South should not be saddled with unviable debt arising from opaque initiatives. I am confident that the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor and the International North–South Transport Corridor could become enablers in bringing economic prosperity to the region.”
Focussing on relations with SCO nations, he went on to add that India is keen to partner with Member States for sustainable, mutually beneficial and financially viable solutions.
“As we strive to improve trade within the region, we need robust connectivity and infrastructure. India has accorded utmost priority to these domains in its own developmental journey, at the same time connectivity initiatives should always respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries,” Jaishankar added. (IANS)
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