NEW YORK: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar met French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot on the sidelines of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
According to Pakistan’s Foreign Office, the two ministers reviewed Pakistan-France bilateral relations and exchanged views on regional and global developments.
Ishaq Dar reiterated Pakistan’s desire to further strengthen bilateral ties, particularly through enhanced political engagement, trade and investment, educational cooperation and people-to-people exchanges.
The deputy prime minister appreciated France’s efforts in support of a two-state solution to the Palestine issue, including its decision to restrict imports of goods from Israeli settlements.
Both ministers stressed that the Palestine issue must remain high on the international agenda and underscored the need for sustained international efforts toward a just, lasting and comprehensive resolution.
The two sides also discussed the situation concerning Iran, emphasizing the importance of continued diplomatic engagement and regional efforts to address the crisis.
They also highlighted the importance of implementing the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding.
The ministers stressed the need to ensure the safety and free flow of maritime traffic and uninterrupted energy supplies, citing the wider economic implications of disruptions in these areas.
The French foreign minister appreciated Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts for peace and stability in the region and agreed on the importance of using regional forums to address regional challenges and promote dialogue.
Both sides agreed to maintain close engagement on bilateral and regional matters of mutual interest.