PM Shehbaz, DPM Dar engage world leaders on sidelines of UNGA

• Shehbaz holds meetings with leaders of Kenya and Kuwait in New York.
• Pakistan and Kenya agree to boost political, economic, trade, defence aties.
• PM highlights investment opportunities in SEZs for Kenyan investors.

NEW YORK: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar stepped up Pakistan's diplomatic engagement at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, holding meetings with foreign leaders and raising issues including bilateral cooperation, regional security and diplomacy.

PM Shehbaz met the leaders of Kenya and Kuwait on the sidelines of the high-level segment of the 81st UN General Assembly. He also held informal meetings with Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.

During his meeting with Kenyan President William Ruto, the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening relations between Pakistan and Kenya.

They reviewed bilateral ties and expressed satisfaction with their progress. Shehbaz called for greater cooperation in politics, trade, investment, defence, education and people-to-people contacts.

He identified pharmaceuticals, textiles, surgical instruments and agriculture as areas with potential for increased trade and investment, and invited Kenyan investors to explore opportunities in Pakistan, including its Special Economic Zones.

The prime minister also expressed Pakistan's interest in closer engagement with the East African Community and called for greater contact between the business communities of the two countries.

President Ruto appreciated Pakistan's role in mediating the recent crisis in West Asia and the Gulf region.

The two leaders also discussed regional and global issues, including sustainable development, peace and international security. They agreed to make greater use of existing mechanisms, including Bilateral Political Consultations and the Joint Ministerial Commission.

Engagement with Kuwait

PM Shehbaz also met Kuwait's Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah and reaffirmed Pakistan's close relations with Kuwait.

The two sides discussed ways to expand cooperation in trade, investment, energy and human resource development. They also exchanged views on regional and international issues and stressed the importance of peace, stability and prosperity in the region.

In separate informal meetings, the prime minister held discussions with Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on bilateral relations and matters of mutual interest.

Dar raises Afghanistan security concerns

Meanwhile, DPM Dar called for concrete and verifiable measures to prevent Afghan territory from being used for terrorism against neighbouring countries, particularly Pakistan, at a meeting of the OIC Contact Group on Afghanistan.

Dar voiced concern over the presence of terrorist groups in Afghanistan and recalled Pakistan's sacrifices in the fight against terrorism.

Referring to the recent terrorist attack in Kohat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which killed civilians and injured scores of people, he said the incident underscored the threat posed by terrorism emanating from the region.

He called on the Afghan Taliban to fulfil Afghanistan's international obligations, stop support for terrorist groups, promote inclusive governance and facilitate the resettlement and integration of Afghan returnees.

Dar also called for restrictions on women and girls in Afghanistan to be lifted, saying they were contrary to Islamic principles and the norms of Muslim societies.

He urged the international community to provide adequate funding to meet Afghanistan's humanitarian needs and support its socio-economic development.

The deputy prime minister reiterated Pakistan's support for a stable and prosperous Afghanistan that is at peace with itself and its neighbours.

Dar-Kuwait talks

Dar also met Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah on the sidelines of the UNGA.

The two ministers reviewed bilateral relations and welcomed continued high-level contacts between Pakistan and Kuwait. They reaffirmed their commitment to expanding cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

They also discussed regional and international issues, including the situation in the Middle East, and stressed the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in resolving outstanding issues and promoting regional peace and stability.