On 27 September 2017, Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Secretary-General Rashid Alimov met with Interior Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Ahsan Iqbal at the SCO Secretariat.
The parties exchanged opinions on security and economic issues, as well as cultural and humanitarian exchanges in the region.
Mr Alimov congratulated the Interior Minister on Pakistan's becoming a full member of the SCO, and spoke in detail about the results of the Council of Foreign Ministers' meeting held in New York on 20 September, the work of peacekeeping, security and stability mechanisms, as well as the economic and cultural cooperation within the SCO framework. "Pakistan plays a major role in combating terrorism and drug trafficking," the Secretary-General said. "Your experience, as well as your contribution to our common cause, is very valuable to us."
"Pakistan is looking forward to taking part in cooperation within the SCO framework and benefitting from this cooperation as well," the Interior Minister said. "The SCO plays a unique role in promoting constructive cooperation in the region."
The Islamic Republic of Pakistan became a full member of the SCO on 9 June 2017. The decision to admit Pakistan to SCO membership was taken at the meeting of the Council of the Heads of SCO Member States held on 8-9 June 2017 in Astana, Kazakhstan.