BY: ANI Correspondent:
NEW YORK — Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has described Pakistan’s diplomatic engagements on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly session as significant, with discussions focusing on regional peace and security, defence cooperation, economic stability, investment and stronger relations with international partners.
In an interaction with the media, the Prime Minister highlighted his meetings with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and his discussions with Saudi Arabia and Türkiye regarding regional security and implementation of the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement.
The Prime Minister said Pakistan remained committed to promoting peace and stability in the region and would continue playing its role in facilitating dialogue. During his meeting with President Pezeshkian, regional developments and efforts to advance peace were discussed. President Pezeshkian, according to the Prime Minister, expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s peace efforts and conveyed that the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding remained acceptable to Iran.
The Prime Minister also held a meeting with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, during which the two sides discussed major regional and international developments, including the situation in the Middle East and Afghanistan.
According to the Press Information Department, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to multilateralism and the principles of the UN Charter. He stressed that dialogue and diplomacy were essential for resolving regional tensions and reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to peace and stability.
The Prime Minister also raised the issue of the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and statehood and briefed the UN Secretary-General on concerns regarding the rise of Islamophobia and terrorism emanating from Afghan soil. Guterres appreciated Pakistan’s role in international peace and security as well as its mediation efforts for peaceful resolution of regional conflicts.
On the economic front, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to implementing the IMF-supported reform programme.
The Prime Minister highlighted progress in fiscal discipline, external buffers and investor confidence, while pointing to measures including the National Tariff Regime, enhanced domestic revenue mobilisation and progress on privatisation. The IMF chief appreciated Pakistan’s performance under the programme and the government’s efforts toward economic stabilisation. The two sides also discussed the forthcoming IMF programme review and continued cooperation on economic reforms.
Prime Minister Shehbaz also met European Council President António Luís Santos da Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The discussions covered Pakistan-EU relations, regional and global developments and the importance of the GSP+ framework for Pakistan’s trade, employment and economic development.
The Prime Minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with the European Union and implementing the Pakistan-EU Strategic Engagement Plan.
In another engagement, the Prime Minister invited American businesses to explore Pakistan’s investment potential in emerging sectors. Addressing a joint delegation of the Business Council for International Understanding and the US-Pakistan Business Council, he highlighted Pakistan’s investment policies and economic reforms and stressed that long-term regional peace was important for promoting business and investment.
The Prime Minister’s UNGA engagements also included meetings with other world leaders and international figures, with discussions covering bilateral relations, trade, investment, regional security and cooperation.
The diplomatic engagements came as Pakistan sought to strengthen its international partnerships while advancing its economic and regional peace priorities at the United Nations.
