UN chief praises Pakistan’s role in US-Iran diplomacy

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has praised Pakistan for playing an important role in efforts to bring the United States and Iran back to dialogue, urging all sides to end hostilities and return to diplomacy.

Speaking at a press conference in Islamabad alongside Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Tuesday, Guterres said Pakistan had made a significant contribution to international peace efforts by helping create conditions for negotiations between Washington and Tehran.

The UN chief praised Pakistan’s diplomatic engagement, saying its efforts contributed to the Islamabad memorandum of understanding, the subsequent ceasefire and the framework established for future negotiations.

Guterres called on all parties involved in the conflict to end the fighting and resolve outstanding issues through diplomatic channels. He also stressed the importance of restoring navigation rights in accordance with international law.

The secretary-general linked lasting regional peace to the Palestinian issue, saying that a durable settlement would remain difficult without recognition of the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination.

Earlier, Guterres held a meeting with Ishaq Dar, during which the two discussed regional and international issues related to peace and security.

According to Pakistan’s Foreign Office, the talks covered Palestine, Jammu and Kashmir, Afghanistan, counterterrorism and the future of multilateral cooperation.

Dar briefed the UN chief on Pakistan’s position regarding Jammu and Kashmir and the Indus Waters Treaty. He reiterated Islamabad’s support for resolving the Kashmir dispute peacefully and in accordance with relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions.

The foreign minister also outlined Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts to promote dialogue and reduce tensions, including its role in facilitating talks between the United States and Iran. He stressed that negotiations and diplomacy remain the preferred means of resolving international disputes.

Guterres appreciated Pakistan’s long-standing cooperation with the United Nations and acknowledged its efforts to promote dialogue, mediation and de-escalation.

The UN secretary-general arrived in Islamabad early Tuesday for a two-day official visit at the invitation of Dar. During his stay, he is scheduled to meet President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Dar and Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir.

Guterres is also expected to visit the headquarters of the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan and receive a briefing at the National Disaster Management Authority.

The visit is also expected to highlight Pakistan’s cooperation with the UN, its support for multilateralism and its efforts to strengthen international peace and security. Disaster preparedness and early-warning systems are also among the issues being highlighted during the visit.

The UN chief’s visit comes as his current term as secretary-general approaches its end on December 31. He previously met Prime Minister Shehbaz on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York, where they discussed major regional and international developments, including the situation in the Middle East.

During that meeting, Guterres also acknowledged Pakistan’s contribution to international peace and security and its efforts in combating terrorism.

Guterres first visited Pakistan as UN secretary-general in February 2020, several years after assuming the post.