Meeting took place on the sidelines of UNGA.
NEW YORK: Foreign Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif held a number of meetings today in New York. In his interaction with Secretary General of the Arab League Ahmed Aboul Gheit, he received great recognition and appreciation for Pakistan’s constructive role in promoting regional peace, harmony and cooperation, especially among the Muslim states.
Recalling Pakistan’s fraternal relations with the members of Arab League including the unwavering support extended by Pakistan to the cause of Palestine, the secretary general acknowledged the positive that Pakistan can play in addressing the challenges confronted by the Muslim world.
Asif congratulated the secretary general on his dynamic leadership of the organisation and noted the importance of the Arab League as an anchor for stability within the Muslim World.
Both sides expressed grave concerns on the situation of Palestine and Jammu & Kashmir, especially the brutal and flagrant targeting of innocent civilians, women, elderly and children in these two territories by the occupying forces. The secretary general invited the foreign minister to visit Cairo.
During meeting with Foreign Minister Erlan Abdyldayev of Kyrgyzstan, the two sides expressed satisfaction at the completion of necessary arrangements for CASA-1000 and the newly established air connectivity between the two countries.
Both sides agreed to enhance mutual cooperation in multilateral fora, especially at the United Nations, Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and Economic Cooperation Organisation (ECO).
Moreover, Foreign Minister Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah of Namibia briefed Khawaja Asif on the economic priorities of her government. She expressed Namibia’s appreciation for Pakistan’s support in the capacity building of Namibian diplomats. The ministers underscored the need for furthering bilateral cooperation in economic and trade sectors. The Namibian side was invited to attend EXPO-PAKISTAN in November 2017 and IDEAS 2018 being held in Pakistan.
Foreign Minister Pelonomi Venson-Moitoi of Botswana expressed keen desire to deepen economic, trade, educational and defense ties with Pakistan. The two ministers agreed to explore possibilities of investment and economic cooperation. The foreign minister invited businessmen from Botswana to EXPO and IDEAS Pakistan.
