António Guterres pays tribute to Pakistan’s sacrifices in the war against terrorism and UN peacekeeping missions during talks with Field Marshal Asim Munir.
WEB DESK: United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres praised Pakistan’s efforts toward the peaceful resolution of regional conflicts during a meeting with Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir at General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi on Wednesday.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the two sides discussed matters of mutual interest, the prevailing regional security environment and the UN’s role in promoting international peace and security.
Guterres praises Pakistan’s peace efforts
ISPR said Guterres acknowledged Pakistan’s continued commitment to international peace and security and specifically appreciated the country’s efforts toward the peaceful resolution of regional conflicts.
The UN chief also paid tribute to the sacrifices and contributions of Pakistan and its armed forces in the war against terrorism and their role in UN peacekeeping missions.
The remarks came during Guterres’ three-day official visit to Pakistan, which began on October 6.
Regional security discussed at GHQ
The meeting covered a range of regional security issues, including regional stability, the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, India’s holding in abeyance of the Indus Waters Treaty and terrorism emanating from Afghanistan, according to ISPR.
The discussions took place against the backdrop of ongoing regional tensions and Pakistan’s diplomatic engagement on several international and regional issues.
ISPR did not disclose any specific decisions or agreements resulting from the meeting.
Munir reaffirms Pakistan’s commitment to peace
Field Marshal Munir reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to international peace and highlighted the country’s contributions to UN peacekeeping missions.
He also appreciated the UN’s role under Guterres in advancing peace, stability and humanitarian cooperation, according to the military’s media wing.
Pakistan has been a long-standing contributor to UN peacekeeping operations, and Guterres has previously acknowledged the country’s contributions and sacrifices in international peace efforts.
Guterres’ wider Pakistan diplomacy
The meeting with Munir followed Guterres’ talks with Pakistan’s civilian leadership during his official visit.
On Tuesday, Guterres praised Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts to help create conditions for dialogue between the United States and Iran. The UN chief said Pakistan’s role had contributed to the Islamabad memorandum, a subsequent ceasefire and a framework for future negotiations.
Guterres also called for an end to the US-Iran conflict and a return to diplomacy, while highlighting the importance of dialogue, mediation and de-escalation.
President Asif Ali Zardari separately conferred the Nishan-e-Imtiaz on Guterres during his visit, recognising his international service, leadership of the United Nations and contribution to global peace and development.
UN chief’s Pakistan visit
Guterres arrived in Islamabad on October 6 for an official visit running through October 8 at the invitation of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.
The Foreign Office said the visit was intended to strengthen Pakistan-UN cooperation and provide an opportunity to exchange views on regional and international developments, multilateralism, and international peace and security.
His engagements have included meetings with President Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Foreign Minister Dar and Field Marshal Munir.
The visit comes as Pakistan continues diplomatic engagement on conflicts and security issues affecting the region, including the US-Iran conflict, Afghanistan, Jammu and Kashmir and the Indus Waters Treaty dispute.
