Dar, UN chief discusses regional conflicts, UN reform in New York

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar met UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in New York on the sidelines of the UN Security Council’s open debate, where both sides exchanged views on a wide range of regional and global issues, including the Middle East, South Asia, Afghanistan, Palestine and the reform of the UN Security Council, the Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday.

Dar arrived in New York on Tuesday for an official visit from May 26 to 28 to participate in a high-level open debate at the UN Security Council, convened under China’s chairmanship of the council.

According to the FO, Dar appreciated the Secretary-General’s “steadfast commitment to the UN and multilateralism” and acknowledged his “continued support for and strong cooperation with Pakistan.”

Both sides exchanged views on recent regional developments, including the situation in the Middle East and West Asia. Dar appreciated the UN chief’s “principled stance and support for Pakistan’s mediation efforts” and highlighted Islamabad’s diplomatic role in promoting regional peace.

He also referred to Pakistan’s “successful hosting of the Islamabad talks in April,” describing it as an important diplomatic breakthrough, noting that the ceasefire facilitated through Pakistan’s efforts continued to hold. He stressed the need for continued engagement and dialogue to ensure lasting peace and stability.

Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the principles and purposes of the UN Charter and to promoting international peace and security through constructive engagement at the UN, according to the statement.

Read: Talks between the US and Iran ‘must succeed’ for the sake of global and regional peace, FM Dar tells UNSC

On UN reform, he welcomed the Secretary-General’s “UN80 initiative” and stressed that the interests and priorities of developing countries must remain central to the reform agenda. He emphasized the importance of strengthening conflict prevention, peaceful dispute resolution and peace-building efforts in accordance with the global realities.

Echoing Pakistan’s position, Dar said UN reform must be based on “sovereign equality, transparency, inclusiveness and broad consensus among member states,” adding that these principles could be upheld through the addition of elected members.

Dar expressed concern over “provocative and inflammatory statements” by the Indian leadership, saying they undermine regional stability. He also said that India’s decision to put the Indus Waters Treaty on hold constituted a violation of international law and treaty obligations.

He stressed that the Jammu and Kashmir dispute remained the core issue between Pakistan and India and reiterated that its resolution in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people was essential for lasting peace in South Asia.

He further said that a peaceful Afghanistan was essential for regional stability while expressing concern over the terrorist groups’ use of Afghan soil against Pakistan. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s determination to protect its national security in accordance with international law and the UN Charter.

Regarding Palestine, Dar affirmed Pakistan’s “unwavering support for the Palestinian people and their legitimate struggle for self-determination and statehood.” He also appreciated the UN chief’s advocacy of the two-state solution and the implementation of the Gaza peace plan, as approved in Security Council Resolution 2803.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Secretary General appreciated Pakistan’s active engagement with the United Nations and its contribution to international peace and security, including through diplomacy and peacekeeping operations.

On the sidelines of the UN debate, Dar also held separate meetings with his Bahraini and Cuban counterparts.

In his meeting with Bahrain’s foreign minister, Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, both sides reaffirmed the “strong fraternal ties” between Pakistan and Bahrain and discussed expanded cooperation in trade, investment and other economic sectors. They also exchanged views on regional development and multilateral cooperation in the UN.

In another meeting with Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, both sides discussed regional developments and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and exploring new areas of cooperation.

The Cuban side appreciated Pakistan’s solidarity during natural disasters, while Dar recalled Cuba’s support during the 2005 earthquake. Both sides agreed to further deepen ties for the benefit of their people.

Addressing an open debate at the UN Security Council under China’s presidency on Tuesday, Dar called for restraint and de-escalation in the Middle East, warning the Security Council that another protracted conflict would endanger regional peace and further strain the fragile international order.

During the visit, he will also participate in a meeting of the Group of Friends on Global Governance on Thursday under the theme “Reforming and Improving Global Governance, Working Together to Address Global Challenges.”

Dar was earlier in Beijing after accompanying Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who arrived in Hangzhou on Saturday to mark the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

On Monday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Pakistan welcomed the timely Chinese initiative focused on strengthening multilateralism and strengthening the central role of the United Nations in dealing with global challenges.