Imran Khan at Bishkek, Sees Rise of 'Multipolar World'

Bishkek: Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday stressed the importance of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in a multipolar world as he addressed world leaders at the summit.

Addressing the formal session of the 19th meeting of the Council of the Heads of State of SCO in Bishkek, Pakistan premier stated the world is standing at a crossroads and the "advent of a multipolar global order" is being witnessed.

Imran Khan also reiterated Pakistan's importance due to its geographical location and stressed upon the "vital connectivity" the country provides in the region."We are a country of over 200 million resilient and enterprising people. The country provides attractive investment opportunities because of its skilled human resource and large agrarian base. We also have tremendous tourist potential," he added.

"We are also seeing threats from terrorism, climate change and narcotics that affect us all," he said, adding that this is the time for the SCO to play a part on the turf of international politics.

Prime Minister Khan said Pakistan's relationship with India is probably at its "lowest point", even as he expressed hope that his Indian counterpart, Narendra Modi, will use his "big mandate" to resolve all differences, including the Kashmir issue.

Khan and Modi are both attending SCO summit but have so far avoided each other.

Khan however said the SCO summit provided Pakistan a "fresh outlet" to develop its relationship with other countries, including India.

"At the moment, our bilateral relationship with India is, probably, at its lowest point," he said.

Khan said Pakistan was open for "any kind of mediation" and seeks peace with all its neighbours, especially with India, asserting that the three "small wars" have damaged both the countries that now grapple with the "greatest amount of poverty".

Khan said the emphasis should be on peace and resolution of differences through dialogue.

Imran on Friday also met Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the summit. He is also expected to have a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin after having an informal talk with him a day before.