Leaders must leave a legacy of peace for future generations, says Nawaz

Addressing the SCO's heads of council meeting on Friday, Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif congratulated India on becoming a member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.

Indirectly responding to the Narendra Modi's call for a co-ordinated effort to tackle terrorism and extremism, Sharif said ,"As leaders we must leave a legacy of peace for future generations; not toxic harvest of conflict and animosity. Instead of talking about counter-weights and containment, let us create shared spaces for all. Let's create shared spaces for all."

"The SCO goals resonate with Pakistan's national ethos, and so do the core values of the Shanghai spirit and the SCO charter with our own quest for peaceful neighbourhood, "he said.

He added that in the coming decades, the SCO, which has emerged as a 'sheet anchor' for regional stability would serve as a strong link between Asia Pacific, East Asia, West Asia and the Atlantic region.

"It is destined to become a cornerstone of global politics and economics, with economics gaining primacy," PM Nawaz said.

"The SCO gives us a powerful platform for partnerships to promote peace, build trust and spur economic development for shared prosperity."

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said it is a historic day today as Pakistan becomes a permanent member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit.

Addressing the SCO's heads of council meeting on Friday, he said "I am thankful to member countries for giving Pakistan permanent membership to the body."

"Pakistan is determined to implement the SCO charter," he said, adding that economics plays a key role in connecting countries and bringing stability.

"We Pakistan realised that we have a lot to learn from the wisdom of the founding members as we orient our foreign policy in a changing international environment," said Nawaz Sharif.

"President, with SCO members we share deep historical and cultural ties, as well as strong economic and strategic linkages. SCO's goals resonate with Pakistan's national ethos and so do the core values of the Shanghai spirit and SCO's charter with our own pressed for a peaceful neighbourhood.