India, Pakistan represented as full members in SCO Defense Ministers' meeting

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India and Pakistan were represented at the SCO defense ministers' conference for the first time since they became full members last year.

They expressed confidence about joining the club.

"We are confident that India’s membership of the SCO will further enhance and deepen ties with all the member countries for mutual benefits," said Indian defense minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

And both ministers also showed determination in tackling challenges and getting past differences.

Pakistan defense chief Khurram Dastgir-Khan said that bilateral issues between SCO members do exist, but these will never be allowed to impede a collective work.

/CGTN Photo

He encouraged his counterparts to face collective challenges with "courage, harmony and cooperation.”

India and Pakistan formally joined the SCO in June of last year.

Since then, both have been active in the organization.

Now, they are coordinating in SCO exercises like the “Peace Mission 2018,” and regional anti-terrorism programs.

In Beijing, at their first official SCO meeting, both ministers signed a communique with other participants.

The statement offered support for the "Shanghai Spirit" of building a shared community with peace and stability, development and prosperity.

The defense ministers' conference offers a chance for countries like India and Pakistan to sit together and exchange views on matters of common concern, and this will be pushed forward in the upcoming SCO summit in east China’s city of Qingdao in June.