Pakistan Strengthens Diplomatic Outreach at UN General Assembly

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar have enhanced Pakistan's diplomatic engagement during the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York. They held meetings with world leaders, focusing on areas such as bilateral cooperation, regional security, and diplomacy.

Prime Minister Shehbaz met with Kenyan President William Ruto and Kuwait's Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah on the sidelines of the 81st UNGA. Informal discussions were also held with Austria's Chancellor Christian Stocker and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.

During talks with Kenyan President Ruto, both leaders reaffirmed their resolve to strengthen ties, reviewing political, trade, investment, defence, and educational cooperation. Shehbaz highlighted pharmaceuticals, textiles, surgical instruments, and agriculture as key areas for expanded collaboration, encouraging Kenyan investment in Pakistan, including its Special Economic Zones. President Ruto acknowledged Pakistan's role in regional mediation and agreed to further utilize mechanisms like Bilateral Political Consultations and the Joint Ministerial Commission.

Prime Minister Shehbaz also engaged with Kuwait's Crown Prince, reaffirming close bilateral relations and exploring opportunities to enhance cooperation in trade, energy, investment, and human resource development. Both sides exchanged views on regional and international matters, emphasizing peace, stability, and prosperity.

Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Dar addressed a meeting of the OIC Contact Group on Afghanistan. He called for concrete action to prevent Afghan territory from being used for terrorism, highlighting Pakistan's concerns following a recent attack in Kohat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He urged the Afghan Taliban to meet international commitments, end support for terrorist groups, and promote inclusive governance. Dar also advocated for lifting restrictions on women and girls in Afghanistan and called for increased international humanitarian assistance.

Dar met separately with Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, reviewing bilateral ties and reaffirming a shared commitment to strengthen cooperation, while discussing regional developments and stressing dialogue to promote peace and stability.