PM Shehbaz meets Lebanese, Bangladeshi leaders and UN chief on UNGA sidelines

NEW YORK: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar have stressed dialogue, diplomacy and peaceful resolution of conflicts during a series of engagements on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

PM Shehbaz held meetings with Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, Bangladeshi Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, and reaffirmed Pakistan's support for peaceful solutions to regional disputes.

Shehbaz backs Lebanon's sovereignty

During his meeting with Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, Shehbaz reaffirmed Pakistan's steadfast support for Lebanon's sovereignty, political independence, unity and territorial integrity.

The two leaders reviewed bilateral relations and reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening the longstanding and fraternal relations between Pakistan and Lebanon.

They also exchanged views on developments in the Middle East and the wider region.

Shehbaz called for an immediate cessation of hostilities, strict adherence to ceasefire arrangements, the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from occupied Lebanese territory and full implementation of United Nations Security Council resolutions.

The prime minister also expressed concern over continuing hostilities and incursions into Lebanese territory.

In a social media post after the meeting, Shehbaz said: “Pakistan will continue to stand in solidarity with Lebanon and its people in their pursuit of peace, stability and prosperity.”

The two sides also discussed ways to expand bilateral cooperation through high-level exchanges, trade and investment, defence and institutional linkages.

They reaffirmed the importance of continued coordination at the United Nations and other multilateral forums.

Dialogue and diplomacy for regional peace

Shehbaz also highlighted the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in dealing with regional conflicts.

In his post following his meeting with the UN chief, the prime minister said: “dialogue and diplomacy must remain our path to resolving conflicts and restoring peace, particularly in the Middle East.”

He said the two had a wide-ranging exchange on the serious challenges confronting the region and the world.

Shehbaz also reaffirmed Pakistan's “unwavering support for the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and statehood” and shared concerns over rising Islamophobia and the growing threat of terrorism emanating from Afghan soil.

The prime minister thanked Guterres for his appreciation of Pakistan's contributions to international peace and security, its sacrifices in the fight against terrorism and its efforts to promote dialogue and durable peace in the region.

Shehbaz separately said his meeting with the UN secretary-general had been “very good” and recalled Guterres's visit to Pakistan during the devastating 2022 floods.

He said Guterres had travelled to flood-hit areas, including Sindh and Balochistan, and visited people staying in tents.

Shehbaz also said Pakistan remained ready to continue providing its services for peace, as it had done in the past.

Focus on Strait of Hormuz

The prime minister also stressed the importance of freedom of commercial activity in the Strait of Hormuz for regional peace.

He said vessels should be able to pass through the waterway without threats, adding that this would significantly contribute to establishing peace in the region.

Pakistan-Bangladesh ties

Shehbaz also held a meeting with Bangladeshi Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. The two leaders reviewed bilateral relations and expressed satisfaction over the positive momentum in Pakistan-Bangladesh ties.

They agreed to further strengthen cooperation in trade, investment, connectivity, education, tourism and people-to-people contacts.

The two prime ministers also discussed regional and global developments and stressed continued coordination at multilateral forums, particularly the United Nations.

Shehbaz congratulated Bangladesh on assuming the presidency of the 81st UN General Assembly and expressed Pakistan's support for its efforts to advance the objectives of the United Nations.

In his social media post, Shehbaz said the two sides had agreed to deepen cooperation while maintaining close coordination on regional and global issues and at multilateral forums.

Dar continues diplomatic engagement

DPM Dar also remained engaged in diplomatic contacts in New York as he met with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi on the sidelines of the 81st Session of the UN General Assembly in New York.

The two sides held discussion on bilateral relations and exchanged views on regional and international developments. The leaders of the two countries also agreed to remain in close contact.