Blitz Bureau
ISLAMABAD: In a thinly veiled reference to China and Pakistan, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar highlighted how terrorism was holding back regional cooperation initiatives and that connectivity initiatives must recognise territorial integrity even as he called for introspection if “good neighbourliness” is missing somewhere.
In his address at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) conclave on October 16, Jaishankar said, “if friendship has fallen short and good neighbourliness is missing somewhere, there are surely reasons to introspect and causes to address.”
The meeting was chaired by Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and attended among others by Chinese Premier Li Qiang, The External Affairs Minister asserted that trade and connectivity initiatives must recognise territorial integrity and sovereignty and it is essential to have an “honest conversation” on lack of trust.
In remarks that are seen as directed towards Pakistan, Jaishankar also said if activities across borders are “characterised” by terrorism, extremism and separatism, they are hardly likely to encourage trade, energy flows and connectivity in parallel.
Jaishankar said cooperation must be based on mutual respect and sovereign equality and that the SCO member nations can benefit immensely if the grouping moves ahead collectively with mutual trust.
He, especially stressed on adhering to the SCO charter, highlighting its underlying essence of strengthening mutual trust, friendship and good neighbourliness.
“It should recognise territorial integrity and sovereignty. It must be built on genuine partnerships, not unilateral agendas. It cannot progress if we cherry-pick global practices, especially of trade and transit,” he said, in remarks seen as an indirect reference to China’s assertive behaviour.
Ahead of the deliberations, PM Sharif shook hands with Jaishankar and warmly received him and other leaders of the SCO nations at the Jinnah Convention Centre, the venue of the summit.
Before leaving Islamabad, Jaishankar thanked PM Sharif and Pakistan Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar in a post on X that is being seen as a positive gesture by senior functionaries in the Pakistan establishment.
“Departing from Islamabad. Thank PM @CMShehbaz, DPM & FM @ MIshaqDar50 and the Government of Pakistan for the hospitality and courtesies,” he said.
