ISLAMABAD, July 15 (Xinhua) -- Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Wednesday reaffirmed the country's commitment to advancing the objectives of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) during a meeting with SCO Secretary-General Nurlan Yermekbayev in Islamabad.

A drone photo taken on June 23, 2024 shows a view of Rashakai Special Economic Zone under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor in Nowshera, Pakistan's northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province. (Photo: Xinhua)

According to Pakistan's Foreign Ministry, the two sides discussed the SCO's priorities and ways to strengthen cooperation among member states in key areas, including economy, transport and regional connectivity.

They also exchanged views on regional and international developments, while Yermekbayev commended Pakistan's constructive contributions to promoting regional peace, stability and cooperation.

The SCO secretary-general briefed Dar on preparations for the upcoming SCO Council of Foreign Ministers meeting to be held in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, and shared proposals to further enhance the organization's effectiveness and efficiency.

Dar reiterated Pakistan's commitment to working closely with all SCO member states ahead of the country assuming the rotating chairmanship of the SCO Council of Heads of State in September 2026.

He also reaffirmed Pakistan's readiness to host the SCO Summit in 2027, the ministry said.