"Within the framework of the SCO, Islamabad certainly can play an extremely important role, because Pakistan is a frontline state fighting against terrorism and separatism." - Pakistani Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani (WANG XIANG)

On October 15, after the one-day session of the eighth annual prime ministers' meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member states in Beijing had drawn to a close, Beijing Review reporter Zhou Jianxiong spoke with Pakistani Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani on SCO-related issues.

Beijing Review: The SCO prime ministers' meeting was held against the backdrop of the current international financial crisis. Do you feel the SCO has developed an effective response in addressing the crisis while promoting regional prosperity?

Gilani: We held discussions on the global recession. The SCO is a forum where we discussed the regional economic (and development) situations as well as security conditions. I found this meeting very useful because—through the discussions and deliberations—we expressed our viewpoints and also heard those of other countries—including the views of China.

As a SCO observer, how will Pakistan contribute to the antiterrorism cooperation within the organization's framework?

Within the framework of the SCO, Islamabad certainly can play an extremely important role, because Pakistan is a frontline state fighting against terrorism and separatism. During the meeting, I tried to convince the SCO countries that we should adopt a regional approach to solving the problem of terrorism, which is common to the region. Thus SCO states can also play an extremely important role of bringing peace to this part of the world.

Beyond attending the multilateral meetings of the SCO, you also have participated in some separate bilateral activities. What do you expect will be the outcome of these activities?

I believe these activities served as very useful forums on the sidelines of the SCO prime ministers' meeting. I had plenty of opportunities to meet and have discussions with the regional leaders—including Chinese President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao and other leaders attending the SCO meeting.

Once more, I enjoyed the opportunity to share Pakistan's stance on all issues affecting bilateral (and multilateral) ties—not limited to cultural and economic relations and, in particular, cooperation against terrorism, something now affecting the whole region.

With regards to Pakistan-China relations, we cooperate with China in national defense, economy, infrastructure development, energy, culture, agriculture, science and technology and in many other areas, too.