Gilani’s firm stance at SCO forum to benefit Pakistan seeking full membership       
ISLAMABAD, Nov 28 (APP): Pakistan has once again expressed keen desire for full membership of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO)- the body that has a great potential to shape the future of our region in terms of security and development.The recent visit of Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani to attend the 9th SCO Heads of Government Council (HGC) meeting in Tajikistan’s capital Dushanbe has provided Pakistan an opportunity to join the partnership of other leaders of SCO member states, who realize that stability and prosperity of their region is critical to global security.Prime Minister firmly pleaded Pakistan’s case at the SCO platform, stressing early up-gradation of its status as full member of the SCO due to the country’s important role in regional security. 
“In the realm of security, Pakistan is already shouldering its responsibilities and is happy to associate itself closely with SCO’s endeavours,” Gilani stated in his address to the heads of government of SCO member countries.
Gilani stressed the importance of SCO’s framework of cooperation on issues of security, stability and peace in a comprehensive manner.
“It must focus on bringing durable peace and stability to the larger SCO region....I want to assure you that Pakistan will always be on your side in the common quest for ensuring a better future for the peoples of our region, as a whole,” Gilani told the SCO leaders.
In terms of economic cooperation, Prime Minister Gilani called for supporting the SCO process for closer integration of economies, building connectivity, establishing the requisite legal and regulatory framework.
“It (SCO) holds great promise for ensuring sustainable global economic growth,” he stressed.
Gilani urged for taking steps to protect economies from negative fall out of global economic and financial crises.
“It is by enhancing our own collective strengths that we could hope for sustainable progress,” he said.
The Prime Minister said that development is on Pakistan’s priorities, adding that it was keen to participate actively in promoting SCO’s economic agenda.
He expressed Pakistan’s desire to associate with SCO’s Entrepreneurs Council, the SCO Inter-Bank arrangements, and close link up with SCO’s transportation, communication and customs cooperation.
Gilani said that Pakistan would be happy to contribute in the revival of Silk route concept under the SCO framework.
He highlighted SCO’s important role in promoting peace and stability in Afghanistan and added that trans-regional development cooperation holds the key in promoting durable stability based on Afghanistan’s economic development.
Gilani during his two-day stay in the Tajik capital, also held meetings with Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and reiterated the resolve to further strengthen their strategic bilateral ties in trade, economy, energy, defence and other areas.
It was agreed that the visit of Premier Wen Jiabao to Pakistan in near future will undoubtedly prove another key milestone in China-Pakistan strategic cooperation partnership.
During his meeting with his Russian counterpart, the two sides deliberated in detail on the prospects as well as the ways and means to further strengthen their bilateral relations through increased trade and economic interaction.
Prime Minister Gilani proposed that Pakistan, Russia, Afghanistan and Tajikistan should initiate consultations on quadrilateral transit trade arrangement.
In short, Prime Minister Gilani’s visit to Tajikistan to attend the SCO meeting not only provided an opportunity to reiterate Pakistan’s desire for full membership but also gave a chance to interact with the Chinese and Russian leaders for mutual exchange of ideas.