NEW YORK: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar have intensified Pakistan’s diplomatic outreach on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly, holding meetings with foreign leaders and discussing bilateral relations, regional security and international developments.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met Kenyan President William Ruto and Kuwait’s Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah during his engagements in New York. He also held informal discussions with Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.
During his meeting with President Ruto, Shehbaz Sharif and the Kenyan leader reviewed bilateral relations and agreed to further strengthen cooperation between Pakistan and Kenya. Discussions covered trade, investment, defence, education and people-to-people contacts.
The prime minister highlighted pharmaceuticals, textiles, surgical instruments and agriculture as areas with potential for increased trade and investment. He also invited Kenyan businesses to explore investment opportunities in Pakistan, particularly in Special Economic Zones.
Shehbaz also expressed Pakistan’s interest in strengthening engagement with the East African Community and called for greater interaction between the business communities of Pakistan and Kenya.
President Ruto appreciated Pakistan’s role in efforts to mediate the recent crisis in West Asia and the Gulf region. The two leaders also exchanged views on global and regional developments, sustainable development, peace and international security.
They agreed to make greater use of existing bilateral mechanisms, including the Bilateral Political Consultations and Joint Ministerial Commission, to expand cooperation between the two countries.
In his meeting with Kuwait’s Crown Prince, Shehbaz reaffirmed Pakistan’s longstanding relations with Kuwait. The discussions covered trade, investment, energy and human resource development, along with regional and international issues.
Meanwhile, Ishaq Dar raised Pakistan’s security concerns during a meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation’s Contact Group on Afghanistan. He called for concrete and verifiable measures to ensure that Afghan territory is not used for terrorist activities against neighbouring countries, particularly Pakistan.
Dar referred to the recent attack in Kohat and highlighted Pakistan’s sacrifices in the fight against terrorism. He urged the Afghan Taliban to fulfil their international obligations, prevent terrorist groups from operating from Afghan soil and work towards inclusive governance.
The deputy prime minister also called for measures to facilitate the resettlement and integration of Afghan returnees. He urged the international community to provide greater financial assistance for Afghanistan’s humanitarian needs and support its economic and social development.
Dar further called for restrictions affecting women and girls in Afghanistan to be lifted and reiterated Pakistan’s support for a peaceful, stable and prosperous Afghanistan that maintains peaceful relations with its neighbours.
Separately, Dar met Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah to review Pakistan-Kuwait bilateral relations. The two sides welcomed continued high-level engagement and discussed ways to further strengthen cooperation.
The meetings form part of Pakistan’s diplomatic engagements on the sidelines of the 81st UN General Assembly, where Islamabad is seeking to strengthen bilateral partnerships while discussing regional security and wider international issues.
