https://arab.news/5g99g
- The meetings were held on the sidelines of UNGA session that Shehbaz Sharif will address later today
- The prime minister discussed economic situation, climate change impact with his British counterpart
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 Britain and Iran with the top leaders of both countries.
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.
“Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met the Prime Minister of Great Britain, Right Honorable Sir Keir Starmer and Iranian President Dr. Pezeshkian 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 both leaders, agreeing to promote ties in trade and investment.
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.