ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday continued his bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), discussing Pakistan’s relations with the top leaders of Britain, Iran and Iraq.
Sharif arrived in New York on Tuesday to attend the annual UNGA session, where he is scheduled to address the world body later today, presenting his country’s stance on Israel’s war on Gaza, the lingering Kashmir dispute and the growing global security deficit.
He met his British counterpart, Keir Starmer, to discuss Pakistan’s long-standing and multifaceted relationship with the United Kingdom, which hosts a large Pakistani diaspora. PM Sharif also accepted an invitation from King Charles III to attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa in October, extended during a telephone call earlier this month.
Pakistan and Iran also share a 959-kilometer frontier, where they set up border markets last year to strengthen commercial ties. The country’s relations with Iraq have enhanced in the past few years through defense cooperation, with Islamabad providing support to Iraqi security forces in their fight against the militant group Daesh.
“Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met the Prime Minister of Great Britain, Right Honorable Sir Keir Starmer, Iranian President Dr. Pezeshkian and Iraq PM Mohammad Shia’ Al Sudani today in New York on the sidelines of the 79th session of the UNGA in New York,” the PM Office said on Thursday.
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif (left) meets Iranian President Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian on the sidelines of of the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, US, on September 26, 2024. (Government of Pakistan)
PM Sharif discussed matters of mutual interest with all the leaders, agreeing to promote ties in trade and investment apart from deepening the scope of existing bilateral ties.
He spoke with the British PM about Pakistan’s economic situation, highlighting structural reforms and the expansion of the tax net. He also mentioned the challenges posed by climate change.
The premier emphasized that Britain is the third-largest investor in Pakistan and highlighted the significant role overseas Pakistanis in the UK play in strengthening bilateral relations.
During his meeting with the Iranian president, Sharif stressed the importance of improving neighborly relations and mutually beneficial cooperation, particularly in trade and cultural exchanges.
“The meeting helped reaffirm support for each other and bring forth opportunities for further strengthening this partnership,” the statement said.
Pakistan and Iran have had fluctuating relations despite many commercial agreements. Both countries share a porous border and occasionally blame each other for militant attacks in the frontier regions.
The Pakistani prime minister also lauded his country’s cordial ties with Iraq while meeting Al Sudani which he said were “reinforced by strong historical, cultural and religious affinities.”
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif (right) meets Iraqi PM Mohammad Shia’ Al Sudani on the sidelines of of the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, US, on September 27, 2024. (Government of Pakistan)
The two leaders also condemned Israel’s military campaign against the Palestinians.
