Islamabad, Pakistan - October 13, 2024

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) not only serves as a platform for easing regional tensions, but also promotes trade and cooperation among member states, according to experts in the field of international studies.

The 23rd Meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of Member States of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization was held in Islamabad, capital of Pakistan, on October 15 and 16.

The meeting, chaired by Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, saw world leaders reiterating their dedication to promoting regional peace, political stability, and socio-economic collaboration.

Special attention was also given to enhancing partnerships in science, technology, digital economy, and information security.

In their discussions, the leaders focused on vital regional issues such as trade and security.

Shehbaz Sharif called on the Afghan government to embrace political inclusivity, and not let Afghan soil be used for terrorism against neighbors.

Shotlist:
Islamabad, Pakistan - Oct 13, 2024:
1. Various of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) logo on street;
2. Welcome banner;
3. Meeting hall of 23rd Meeting of Council of Heads of Government of Member States of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO);
4. Screen showing national flags of member states, logo of SCO;
Pakistan - Recent
5. SOUNDBITE (English) Amna Mahmood, head, Department of Politics and International Relations, International Islamic University (starting with shot 4):
"Multilateralism is the need of time, and multilateralism is not confined to security only. When we talk about non-conventional security, SCO is a very relevant organization, because it's having agenda like environmental security, climate change, trade and bilateral cooperation, multilateral cooperation, connectivity. And that is very important.";
Islamabad, Pakistan - Oct 13, 2024
6. Aerial shot of Aiwan-e-Sadr, presidential palace of Pakistan; traffic;
7. Aiwan-e-Sadr;
8. Street scene, traffic;
9. Floral decoration;
Pakistan - Recent
10. SOUNDBITE (English) Saif ur Rehman Malik, former director, India Study Center, Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (starting with shot 9/ending with shot 11):
"If we look at the regional geopolitics, there are a few dangers in the neighborhood, in the region and beyond. And these are one of the biggest threats. The threat of terrorism which is really mounting and haunting the world in general and regional countries in particular. Especially we can see the state of affairs in Afghanistan, its impact on the regional countries.";
Islamabad, Pakistan - Oct 13, 2024
11. Aerial shots of streets.

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