ISLAMABAD: UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres on Friday described Pakistan as a “fundamental partner of the United Nations” while praising Islamabad’s contribution to the effective functioning of the world organization.
According to an official handout circulated by the foreign office of Pakistan, Guterres made the statement during a phone call to the country’s foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi.
Together the two leaders discussed a wide range of issues including the coronavirus pandemic and its economic impact, equitable vaccine distribution for developing countries, UN peacekeeping, the Kashmir dispute, and Afghan peace process.
Qureshi affirmed Pakistan’s commitment to multilateralism while emphasizing the importance of a strong UN playing a central role "for the delivery of its mandates that meet the expectations of member states.”
He also lauded Guterres for his leadership role during challenging times and expressed his country’s full support for his re-appointment for another five-year tenure.
The UN secretary general replaced South Korea’s Ban Ki-moon on January 1, 2017 and will be contesting once again for the top slot at the world body during the course of this year.
Guterres briefed the foreign minister on UN efforts with regard to the situation in Afghanistan.
Qureshi also underscored Pakistan’s contributions to the Afghan peace process while warning against the role of “spoilers” in that country.
