ISLAMABAD: United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres has praised Pakistan for playing a “pivotal role” in facilitating dialogue between the United States and Iran, as he called on the parties to end the conflict and return to diplomacy.
Speaking in Islamabad on Tuesday alongside Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Guterres said Pakistan’s diplomatic engagement had helped create conditions for talks between Washington and Tehran.
“Pakistan’s spirit of engagement is front and centre on issues of international peace and security,” the UN chief said, applauding Islamabad’s leadership in efforts to mediate between the two sides.
Guterres credited Pakistan’s efforts with helping deliver the Islamabad memorandum of understanding, the subsequent ceasefire and a framework for future negotiations.
“Every Pakistani should be proud of that pivotal role,” he said.
The UN chief used his Islamabad press conference to issue a direct appeal to all sides, calling for an end to hostilities and a renewed focus on diplomacy.
“End the conflict, return to diplomacy and restore navigational rights in accordance with international law,” Guterres said.
He also linked regional peace to the Palestinian issue, saying there would be no lasting peace until the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination is recognised. Pakistan has long advocated recognition of that right.
Key talks
Earlier on Tuesday, Dar held a meeting with Guterres to discuss regional and global developments affecting peace and security, according to Pakistan’s Foreign Office.
The talks covered Palestine, Jammu and Kashmir, Afghanistan, counter-terrorism and the future of multilateralism.
Dar briefed the UN secretary general on Pakistan’s positions regarding Jammu and Kashmir and the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT). He reiterated Islamabad’s call for a just and peaceful resolution of the Kashmir dispute in accordance with relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
The foreign minister also highlighted Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts to promote dialogue and de-escalation, including its facilitation of the Islamabad talks between the US and Iran.
According to the Foreign Office, Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to dialogue and diplomacy as the most effective means of resolving disputes.
Guterres, meanwhile, appreciated Pakistan’s longstanding contribution to the United Nations and its diplomatic efforts to promote dialogue, mediation and de-escalation.
Islamabad visit
Guterres arrived in Islamabad in the early hours of Tuesday for a two-day official visit running from October 6 to 8 at Dar’s invitation.
He was received by Acting Foreign Secretary Ambassador Nabeel Munir upon arrival, the Foreign Office said.
His schedule includes meetings with President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Dar and Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir.
The UN chief is also due to visit the headquarters of the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) and attend a briefing at the National Disaster Management Authority headquarters.
The Foreign Office said Pakistan’s efforts to strengthen multilateralism and international peace and security would be highlighted during the visit, alongside its progress in disaster preparedness and early-warning systems.
Guterres’ legacy
The visit comes with Guterres’ 10-year tenure as UN secretary general set to end on December 31.
Guterres previously met Prime Minister Shehbaz on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York last month, where they discussed major regional and international developments, including the Middle East situation.
At that meeting, Guterres commended Pakistan’s role and strong voice at the UN, its contribution to international peace and security, and its sacrifices in countering terrorism.
His first visit to Pakistan as UN secretary general took place in February 2020, around three years after he was elected to the post in 2016.
The succession race is also gathering pace, with two of the six candidates seeking to replace Guterres having visited Pakistan in recent months.
Former UN General Assembly president María Fernanda Espinosa and Ambassador Olara Otunnu separately met Prime Minister Shehbaz in July and September, respectively, and praised Pakistan’s role in promoting international peace and cooperation.
