Shehbaz urges Lebanon ceasefire, closer Bangladesh ties at UN

NEW YORK: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on the sidelines of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly, with talks focused on a Lebanon ceasefire, Middle East stability and expanding Pakistan-Bangladesh cooperation.

During his meeting with Salam, Shehbaz reaffirmed Pakistan's support for Lebanon's sovereignty, political independence, unity and territorial integrity, Minute Mirror reported. The two reviewed bilateral relations and Middle East developments and agreed to strengthen cooperation through political contacts, trade, investment, defence and institutional engagement.

Shehbaz called for an immediate end to hostilities and urged all sides to respect ceasefire arrangements. He stressed the need for Israeli forces to withdraw from occupied Lebanese territory and for implementation of UN Security Council resolutions, while expressing concern over continuing violence and incursions into Lebanese territory. Pakistan would keep supporting Lebanon in achieving peace, stability and development, he said.

Separately, Shehbaz met UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. They discussed regional and international challenges, with the prime minister saying dialogue and diplomacy should remain central to resolving conflicts, particularly in the Middle East. He reiterated support for Palestinian self-determination and statehood, and both officials discussed rising Islamophobia and terrorism originating from Afghan territory. Shehbaz thanked Guterres for recognising Pakistan's peacekeeping contributions and sacrifices against terrorism, and recalled the UN chief's visit after the 2022 floods. He also highlighted the importance of keeping the Strait of Hormuz open for commercial shipping, saying vessels should be able to use the waterway safely and without threats.

In his meeting with Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, the two leaders reviewed bilateral relations and welcomed positive momentum. They agreed to expand cooperation in trade, investment, connectivity, education, tourism and people-to-people contacts, and to coordinate at multilateral forums, especially the UN. Shehbaz congratulated Bangladesh on assuming the presidency of the 81st UN General Assembly and expressed support for its objectives, Minute Mirror said. Daily Times reported that Bangladesh's leadership described the meeting as extremely positive and fruitful, with Prime Minister Rahman saying "Inshallah, we'll fix a time" for a visit to Pakistan. Bangladesh's foreign minister also called the engagement warm and productive, according to Daily Times.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar separately met Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi on the UNGA sidelines. They discussed bilateral relations and regional and international developments and agreed to remain in close contact, Minute Mirror reported.