Dar meets UNGA president, pledges support for multilateralism

NEW YORK: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar met the president of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, Khalilur Rahman, in New York on Friday and assured him of Pakistan's full support for the work of the General Assembly, the Foreign Office said.

Dar congratulated Rahman on assuming the presidency and expressed confidence in his leadership. The two sides reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to multilateralism and underscored the central role of the United Nations in addressing global challenges. The discussion also touched on matters of mutual interest, according to a news release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Office of the Spokesperson.

On the same day, the deputy prime minister held separate bilateral meetings on the sidelines with the foreign ministers of Singapore, Bahrain, and Antigua and Barbuda.

With Singapore's Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan, Dar reviewed bilateral relations and both sides agreed that sustained engagement and high-level exchanges would help deepen bilateral ties and advance mutually beneficial cooperation. They exchanged views on regional and international developments. Balakrishnan appreciated Pakistan's efforts to promote dialogue and diplomacy in addressing regional challenges, and the two sides agreed to remain in close contact.

In his meeting with Bahrain's Foreign Minister Dr Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Dar discussed bilateral relations including preparations for the forthcoming third session of the Joint Ministerial Commission. The two leaders exchanged views on regional and international developments. Al Zayani appreciated Pakistan's constructive role in promoting regional peace and stability. Both foreign ministers reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation and maintaining close coordination at bilateral and multilateral forums.

Dar also met Antigua and Barbuda's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Barbuda Affairs Chet Greene. The two sides held cordial discussions on bilateral relations and expressed a shared desire to strengthen ties and expand mutually beneficial cooperation, including in education, diplomatic training, and other areas. They discussed cooperation at multilateral forums, particularly within the Commonwealth and the United Nations, and agreed to meet again at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in St John's, Antigua and Barbuda, in November 2026, a statement from the Deputy Prime Minister's Office said.