On 6 April 2020, SCO Secretary-General Vladimir Norov had a telephone conversation with Foreign Minister of Pakistan Shah Mahmood Qureshi at the latter's initiative.
The officials discussed current threats the SCO member states are facing due to the spread of the coronavirus as well as possible measures to overcome the consequences of COVID-19, in particular, to minimise the economic damage.
The Secretary-General conveyed his deepest condolences to the families of the epidemic's victims and wished speedy recovery to those infected in Pakistan. According to him, it is necessary to act together during these critical times, in the spirit of compassion and solidarity.
Mr Norov also praised the measures being taken by the Pakistani Government to counter COVID-19 as well as the importance of Pakistan's proposals aimed at decreasing the impact the pandemic has on the socioeconomic development of the countries and in particular noted Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan's call to restructure the debt of the developing countries.
The Secretary-General also informed Mr Qureshi about the results of the Expert Meeting on Preparation for the Meeting of Health Ministers of SCO Member States held on 1 April 2020 via videoconference as well as about the SCO Secretariat's proposals to strengthen the collective protection from the spread of COVID-19.
The sides agreed to maintain working contacts.