Pakistan's Foreign Minister Dar Strengthens Ties with China at SCO Meeting

Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar reaffirmed the nation's commitment to enhancing its longstanding partnership with China during a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on July 15, 2025. This engagement occurred within the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting held in Beijing, where foreign ministers from member states convened to address regional cooperation and security challenges.

In his remarks, Mr. Dar, who also serves as Deputy Prime Minister, expressed delight at meeting President Xi at the Great Hall of the People, conveying warm greetings from the leadership, government, and citizens of Pakistan. He emphasized the deep-rooted friendship between Pakistan and China, referring to both nations as 'iron-clad brothers' and 'All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partners.' This symbolic language reflects the historical ties and mutual strategic interests shared by the two countries.

The SCO meeting included discussions on various pressing issues, including terrorism and regional stability, as articulated by Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. In a post on the social media platform X, Mr. Dar highlighted the importance of solidarity among SCO member states in combating terrorism, reinforcing the group's united front against such threats.

Beyond his talks with President Xi, Mr. Dar also engaged with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, indicating Pakistan's interest in enhancing cooperation in sectors such as trade, energy, and agriculture. This meeting aligns with Pakistan's broader strategy to strengthen ties with Russia amidst shifting geopolitical dynamics. In his statement, Mr. Dar invited Mr. Lavrov to visit Pakistan to further solidify bilateral relations.

Mr. Dar's diplomatic efforts did not stop there; he also met with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, focusing on the evolving regional situation, particularly in light of the recent tensions involving Israel. The discussions reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to supporting Iran and maintaining regional peace through dialogue and diplomacy.

Additionally, Mr. Dar's engagements included meetings with his counterparts from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Belarus, aimed at fostering bilateral cooperation across diverse sectors. These dialogues indicate Pakistan's proactive diplomatic stance in enhancing its regional influence and collaboration within the SCO framework.

The SCO, which includes ten member states—China, Russia, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Belarus—serves as a platform for regional cooperation on security, economic, and cultural issues. China currently holds the rotating presidency, emphasizing its role in steering the organization toward collective goals.

The significance of these meetings extends beyond mere diplomatic niceties; they underscore Pakistan's strategic pivot toward strengthening alliances in a rapidly changing global landscape. As geopolitical tensions rise, particularly in the context of U.S.-China relations and regional conflicts, Pakistan's engagement with both China and Russia positions it at a critical juncture.

In conclusion, Mr. Dar's visit to Beijing and subsequent discussions with multiple foreign ministers reflect a concerted effort by Pakistan to solidify its international partnerships, enhance regional stability, and assert its role within multilateral frameworks like the SCO. As these relationships evolve, the implications for Pakistan's foreign policy and regional dynamics will be closely observed by analysts and policymakers alike.