Minister for Foreign Affairs Bilawal Bhutto Zardari met the High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) Miguel Moratinos and discussed UNAOC’s work and avenues for collaboration, particularly in strengthening inter-religious dialogue, combating Islamophobia as well as intolerance based on religion or belief.
The meeting was held on the margins of the 77th United Nations General Assembly session in New York. They stressed the need for achieving harmony among diverse cultures and societies. The foreign minister emphasized that Islamophobia was a reality, visible in a number of western countries but its most virulent manifestation was in India. He called upon the UNAOC to step up its efforts to halt and reverse Islamophobia, bigotry and discrimination based on religion and belief.
While encouraging interfaith and intercultural dialogue and exchange of ideas at the local, national and international levels, the High Representative reiterated the readiness of UNAOC to support all efforts that promote continued dialogue and foster mutual respect and understanding, including the ways to combat Islamophobia. Created in 2005, one of the core objectives of UNAOC had been to advance mutual respect for all cultures, traditions and religious beliefs. It served as a platform for bridging differences and reducing friction between civilizations.
Also, Foreign Minister Bilawal held a bilateral meeting with Foreign Minister of Egypt Sameh Hassan Shoukry and reviewed the entire spectrum of bilateral relations and agreed to enhance the frequency of bilateral political exchanges. According to Foreign Office, they met in New York on the sidelines of the 77th United Nations General Assembly session. They underlined the need to increase cooperation related to trade, defence, counter-terrorism, education, culture and tourism.
The two leaders also exchanged views on important developments in Afghanistan and the region as well as the rise in global tensions. They emphasized the importance of finding peaceful solutions to conflicts and disputes through diplomatic means. The foreign minister also assured of Pakistan’s full support to Egypt as the Chair of CoP-27 Climate Change Conference. He added that Pakistan would contribute to the success of the conference by participating at the highest level, and projecting the views of developing countries in its capacity as the current Chair of Group of 77 and China.
Pakistan and Egypt enjoy excellent fraternal relations underpinned by a shared heritage and commonality of views. The two countries closely collaborate bilaterally, as well as on regional and global issues of mutual interest. In his meeting with his Algerian counterpart Ramtane Lamamra on the margins of ongoing United Nations General Assembly session in New York, Bilawal discussed matters of bilateral interest. The interaction comes within the established framework for cooperation and exchanges characterized by mutual trust and friendship. According to Foreign Office, the foreign minister expressed satisfaction at the historically fraternal ties between the two nations. He expressed pride at Pakistan’s role in Algeria’s independence.
The Algerian Foreign Minister welcomed Pakistan’s principled position on the Middle East and other issues. Both ministers agreed that the commitment of Pakistan and Algeria to international principles was the pillar of their close relationship. The two foreign ministers agreed to revive and reinforce the several institutions and mechanisms of bilateral cooperation. They also agreed on continued mutual support and coordination of positions bilaterally and in multilateral platforms, including at the United Nations and Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
