New York, 18 May 2022 (TDI): Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari met with UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres in New York, today.
FM @BBhuttoZardari met the United Nations Secretary General @antonioguterres at the @UN Headquarters in #NewYork today.
🇵🇰🤝🇺🇳 pic.twitter.com/IrEuRu1ww9
— Spokesperson 🇵🇰 MoFA (@ForeignOfficePk) May 18, 2022
The Foreign Minister highlighted the significance of multilateralism and the United Nations in Pakistan’s foreign policy. He remarked that Pakistan conforms fully to the principles of the United Nations charter. The country has always endorsed the solutions based on the principles of the UN to solve global challenges
He added, that as the current Chair of the Group of 77 and China, Pakistan appreciates the Secretary General’s support for the objectives pursued by developing nations at the UN. He stressed the need for advancing the first two Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) targeted at eradicating poverty and hunger.
On the crisis in Ukraine
Regarding the Ukrainian crisis, the Foreign Minister praised the Secretary General’s efforts to support a peaceful settlement and conveyed Pakistan’s stance.
On the crisis in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK)
The Foreign Minister also underlined the humanitarian crisis in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). He pointed out the increase in human rights violations and unlawful demographic shifts there.
He emphasized that Pakistan seeks cooperation with all of its neighbors, notably India. However, this would remain unattainable, he pointed out until the settlement of the Jammu and Kashmir conflict. And this settlement must be in line with United Nations Security resolutions and the will of the Kashmiri people.
Praise for the Secretary General’s role in combating Islamophobia
Furthermore, the Foreign Minister praised the Secretary General’s dedication to combating Islamophobia. He reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to working closely with him in this endeavor, especially as the current Chair of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers.
On the crisis in Afghanistan
Lastly, the Foreign Minister praised the UN Secretary-General for his efforts in mobilizing humanitarian and economic support for the Afghan people. He expressed Pakistan’s worry over the spillover effect from the instability in Afghanistan. He stressed that the international community’s reaction must meet critical humanitarian needs while avoiding a full fall of Afghanistan’s economy, which could have severe repercussions for the people.
