Dar meets Guterres on sidelines of SCO summit, invites him to Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar met United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Heads of State Summit in Bishkek on Tuesday, with the two sides discussing regional developments, preparations for the upcoming UN General Assembly session and ongoing work at the UN Security Council.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dar appreciated Guterres’ leadership in advancing the United Nations’ role in addressing global challenges and promoting effective multilateralism.

The deputy prime minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s strong commitment to the UN and underscored the country’s close and longstanding partnership with the world body.

The two sides also exchanged views on the regional situation and preparations for the upcoming session of the UN General Assembly, while discussing ongoing matters before the UN Security Council.

Guterres, in turn, appreciated Pakistan’s constructive and principled role in multilateral diplomacy and commended the country’s efforts to promote regional peace and security, according to the Foreign Office.

During the meeting, Dar also invited the UN secretary-general to visit Pakistan.

Guterres accepted the invitation, with the dates for his visit to be finalised through consultations between Pakistan’s Foreign Office and the UN Secretariat, the ministry said.