Washington (TDI): Pakistan Finance Minister, Aurangzeb, met the United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres on the sidelines of the launch of the Borrowers’ Platform.
The Borrowers’ Platform is a new UN-backed mechanism to help developing countries coordinate on debt issues and strengthen their collective voice in global financial negotiations
The minister welcomed the UN chief’s participation in the platform’s launch, describing it as a significant step toward strengthening cooperation among borrowing nations.
He expressed appreciation for the Secretary-General’s continued support in establishing the initiative, which aims to enhance coordination and advocacy for countries facing mounting debt challenges.
The discussion focused heavily on the broader economic consequences of the ongoing situation in the Middle East. Both sides acknowledged that geopolitical instability in the region is reverberating far beyond its borders, particularly affecting developing economies.
Rising food prices and energy costs were highlighted as major concerns, with vulnerable countries facing increased fiscal pressure and risks to economic stability.
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Aurangzeb emphasized that for nations like Pakistan, external shocks linked to global conflicts can strain already limited resources, making international cooperation and timely policy responses even more essential.
He stressed the importance of collective efforts to ensure that developing countries are not disproportionately burdened by crises they did not create.
The UN Secretary-General echoed these concerns, noting that the intersection of conflict, inflation, and debt vulnerabilities poses a serious challenge to sustainable development worldwide.
He reiterated the United Nations’ commitment to supporting initiatives that promote financial resilience and equitable growth, particularly in the Global South.
In addition to economic matters, the conversation touched on Pakistan’s role in regional and international diplomacy. Guterres commended Pakistan for its efforts in promoting peace and stability, both within its neighborhood and on the broader global stage.
He expressed confidence that Pakistan would continue to play a constructive role in addressing shared challenges, including conflict resolution and humanitarian cooperation.
