Pakistan, Kuwait discuss stronger economic cooperation at UNGA

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met Kuwait's Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Tuesday. The two leaders discussed ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation, with the prime minister highlighting potential for enhanced collaboration in trade, investment, energy and human resource development.

A statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office said the meeting focused on Pakistan-Kuwait relations and avenues for expanding cooperation in areas of mutual interest. The prime minister conveyed warm greetings to the Kuwaiti Crown Prince and reaffirmed Pakistan's strong and brotherly ties with Kuwait. The two leaders also exchanged views on regional and international developments and reiterated their shared commitment to promoting peace, stability and prosperity.

The meeting took place on the sidelines of the high-level segment of the UN General Assembly's 81st session. Shehbaz arrived in New York on Tuesday to attend the session. During the visit, the prime minister will hold bilateral meetings with world leaders attending the General Assembly, which the Prime Minister's Office said would provide an opportunity to exchange views on matters of mutual interest and issues of international importance.

In a separate diplomatic engagement in Islamabad, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar met Libya's acting foreign minister, Taher Al-Baour. According to the Foreign Office, the two officials agreed to strengthen cooperation in trade, education and business relations. They discussed the changing situation in the Middle East and reviewed its possible effects on regional peace, energy supplies and the global economy. The discussion also covered economic pressures facing developing countries because of regional instability.

The Foreign Office said the Libyan acting foreign minister appreciated Pakistan's constructive diplomatic efforts for regional peace and stability. Dar said dialogue and diplomacy remained the only workable means for addressing regional challenges. Both sides considered ways to expand economic and educational connections between their countries, with particular attention on trade and stronger business links. Education was also identified as an area for closer relations. Dar urged all parties to return to the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding. Pakistan and Libya are expected to continue engagement on areas discussed during the meeting.