ISLAMABAD: Calling Pakistan a “fundamental partner of the United Nations”, UN Secretary-General (UNSG) Anotnio Guterres has lauded Pakistan’s contribution to the world body, particularly its presidency of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) for the promotion of the socio-economic development agenda, Foreign Office said.
In a statement on Friday, Foreign Office said that Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi held a telephone conversation with the United Nations Secretary-General Anotnio Guterres.
It stated that views were exchanged on a range of issues on the UN agenda including the Covid-19 situation, economic recovery in the wake of the pandemic, international debt relief efforts, equitable availability of vaccines for the developing countries; peacekeeping, Jammu and Kashmir dispute, and the Afghan peace process.
Lauding the UNSG’s leadership during challenging times, the Foreign Minister welcomed his availability to serve a second term in office, and expressed Pakistan’s full support for Guterres’s re-appointment for another five-year tenure.
The Foreign Minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s abiding commitment to multilateralism, with a strong UN playing a central role for the delivery of its mandates that meet the expectations of Member States.
“The UN secretary-general valued Pakistan’s constructive contributions towards the effective functioning of the Organisation in the different areas of its work, calling Pakistan a “fundamental partner of the United Nations”, it stated, adding that the secretary-general especially lauded Pakistan’s Presidency of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) for the promotion of the socio-economic development agenda.
Secretary-General Guterres briefed the Foreign Minister on UN efforts with regard to the situation in Afghanistan, it stated, adding that the Foreign Minister also underscored Pakistan’s positive contributions to the Afghan peace process, noting that it is imperative for the concerned parties to seize the historic opportunity and work together for securing an inclusive, broad-based and comprehensive political settlement while guarding against the role of “spoilers.”
“The two leaders agreed that the Afghan peace process should be taken forward through consultations and in a manner that helps establish durable peace, stability and prosperity in Afghanistan and the region,” it added.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2021
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