ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar departed Islamabad for New York on Sunday to participate in the high-level week of the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), where he will accompany Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during key diplomatic engagements.
According to the Foreign Office, Dar’s visit will run from September 21 to 25 and include an extensive programme of multilateral discussions, ministerial meetings and bilateral consultations.
The foreign minister is scheduled to attend a meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Contact Group on Jammu and Kashmir, where he will reaffirm Pakistan’s support for the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination.
He will also participate in the OIC Foreign Ministers’ Annual Coordination Meeting and other contact group sessions held alongside the General Assembly.
Palestine to Feature Prominently in Diplomatic Engagements
The Foreign Office said Dar would attend several high-level meetings concerning Palestine as part of Pakistan’s diplomatic support for the Palestinian cause.
His engagements will include a meeting of the Group of Eight Arab and Islamic countries and a ministerial meeting of the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution.
These discussions will provide opportunities for participating countries to exchange views on developments in Palestine and diplomatic efforts concerning the conflict.
Artificial Intelligence, Pandemic Preparedness and Regional Cooperation
Dar is also expected to address a high-level United Nations Security Council briefing on artificial intelligence.
His schedule includes a meeting on pandemic prevention, preparedness and response, as well as chairing the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) Council of Ministers.
The deputy prime minister will hold bilateral discussions with foreign ministers and other senior representatives from several countries.
He will additionally accompany Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during high-level bilateral meetings and other official engagements in New York.
According to the Foreign Office, Dar will use these meetings to present Pakistan’s efforts to promote regional and international peace and stability while exchanging views on major global and regional challenges.
The annual high-level week of the UN General Assembly brings together heads of state, heads of government and senior diplomats to discuss pressing international issues and strengthen diplomatic cooperation.
