NEW YORK: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar arrived in New York City on Tuesday to participate in a high-level debate of the United Nations Security Council, according to Pakistan’s Foreign Office.
In a post shared on X, the Foreign Office stated that the debate was being convened under the presidency of China at the UNSC. During his visit, Dar is also expected to hold bilateral meetings with foreign counterparts and senior United Nations officials.
The Foreign Office added that upon his arrival in New York, Dar was received by Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, along with Pakistan’s Consul General in New York, Aamer Ahmad Atozai.
Earlier, the FO had announced that Dar’s visit, scheduled from May 26 to 28, would also include participation in a meeting of the Group of Friends on Global Governance.
Chinese officials said the UNSC debate, titled “Upholding the Purposes and Principles of the UN Charter and Strengthening the UN-Centred International System,” is aimed at reinforcing the relevance of the UN Charter, strengthening the authority of the Security Council, and promoting multilateral diplomacy amid rising global instability.
Beijing has also expressed concern that growing geopolitical tensions are placing unprecedented pressure on multilateral institutions and the wider international system.
According to diplomatic sources, Pakistan is expected to support China’s stance on strengthening the United Nations system and encouraging dialogue-based solutions to international conflicts. Dar is also expected to reiterate Islamabad’s longstanding position that disputes should be resolved peacefully and in accordance with the UN Charter.
Meanwhile, Abbas Araghchi, who had also been invited by the Chinese government to attend the debate, will not participate after reportedly being denied a visa by the host country.
According to Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency, Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baqaei told a press briefing on Monday that Araghchi would not travel to New York for the meeting due to visa-related issues.