NEW YORK: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar intensified Pakistan’s diplomatic engagement on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly, holding meetings with foreign leaders and discussing bilateral cooperation, regional security and international issues.
Prime Minister Shehbaz met Kenyan President William Ruto and Kuwait’s Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah in New York. He also held informal meetings with Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.
Pakistan, Kenya seek stronger cooperation
During his meeting with President Ruto, Prime Minister Shehbaz reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening relations with Kenya.
The two leaders reviewed bilateral ties and expressed satisfaction with progress in their relationship. Shehbaz called for greater cooperation in political engagement, trade, investment, defence, education and people-to-people contacts.
He highlighted pharmaceuticals, textiles, surgical instruments and agriculture as areas with potential for increased trade and investment. The prime minister also invited Kenyan investors to explore opportunities in Pakistan, including projects in Special Economic Zones.
Shehbaz expressed Pakistan’s interest in deeper engagement with the East African Community and called for increased interaction between the business communities of the two countries.
President Ruto appreciated Pakistan’s role in mediating the recent crisis in West Asia and the Gulf region.
The two leaders also discussed sustainable development, peace and international security and agreed to make greater use of existing bilateral mechanisms, including Bilateral Political Consultations and the Joint Ministerial Commission.
Shehbaz discusses cooperation with Kuwait
In his meeting with Kuwait’s Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, Prime Minister Shehbaz reaffirmed Pakistan’s close relations with Kuwait.
The two sides discussed ways to expand cooperation in trade, investment, energy and human resource development. They also exchanged views on regional and international developments and stressed the importance of peace, stability and prosperity.
Shehbaz separately held informal discussions with Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on bilateral relations and matters of mutual interest.
PM Shehbaz Sharif reaches New York ahead of UNGA address
Dar calls for action against terrorism from Afghanistan
Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar called for concrete and verifiable measures to prevent Afghan territory from being used for terrorism against neighbouring countries, particularly Pakistan.
Speaking at a meeting of the OIC Contact Group on Afghanistan, Dar expressed concern over the presence of terrorist groups in Afghanistan and highlighted Pakistan’s sacrifices in the fight against terrorism.
Referring to the recent terrorist attack in Kohat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which killed civilians and injured scores of people, Dar said the incident underscored the threat posed by terrorism emanating from the region.
He called on the Afghan Taliban to fulfil Afghanistan’s international obligations, end support for terrorist groups, promote inclusive governance and facilitate the resettlement and integration of Afghan returnees.
Dar also urged the lifting of restrictions on women and girls in Afghanistan, saying they were contrary to Islamic principles and the norms of Muslim societies.
He called on the international community to provide sufficient funding for Afghanistan’s humanitarian needs and support its socio-economic development.
The deputy prime minister reiterated Pakistan’s support for a stable and prosperous Afghanistan that remains at peace with itself and its neighbours.
Dar holds talks with Kuwaiti counterpart
Dar also met Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.
The two ministers reviewed bilateral relations and welcomed continued high-level contacts between Pakistan and Kuwait. They reaffirmed their commitment to expanding cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
The discussions also covered regional and international developments, including the situation in the Middle East, with both sides stressing the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in resolving outstanding issues and promoting regional peace and stability.
