Beijing, China - April 24, 2018 (CGTN - No access Chinese mainland)
1. Various of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Defense Ministers' meeting in progress
2. Nirmala Sitharaman, Indian Defense Minister, speaking
3. SOUNDBITE (English) Nirmala Sitharaman, Indian Defense Minister:
"We are confident that India's membership of SCO will further enhance and deepen our ties with all the member countries for mutual benefits."
4. Various of SCO Defense Ministers' meeting in progress
5. SOUNDBITE (English) Khurram Dastgir Khan, Pakistani Defense Minister:
"Bilateral issues between SCO members do exist, but these will never be allowed to impede our collective work. Let us face our collective challenges with courage, harmony and cooperation."
6. Various of SCO Defense Ministers' meeting in progress

FILE: Exact Location and Date Unknown (CCTV - No access Chinese mainland)
7. Various of military drills in progress

Indian and Pakistani defense ministers sat together for the first time, as their counterparts from other member countries under the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) gathered in Beijing on Tuesday.

At the meeting, their defense ministers both expressed confidence about joining the club this year.

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

Both the ministers also showed determination in tackling challenges and getting past differences.

"Bilateral issues between SCO members do exist, but these will never be allowed to impede our collective work. Let us face our collective challenges with courage, harmony and cooperation," said Khurram Dastgir Khan, Pakistani defense minister.

India and Pakistan formally joined the SCO in June, 2017. Since then, both have been active in the organization.

Now they are coordinating in SCO exercises like "Peace Mission 2018" and regional anti-terrorism programs.

In Beijing, at their first official SCO meeting, the two ministers signed a communiqué with other participants. The statement offered support for the "Shanghai Spirit" of building a shared community with peace and stability, development and prosperity.