Dar discusses bilateral ties, regional issues with four counterparts | The Express Tribune

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Wednesday held meetings with his Austrian, Hungarian, Bulgarian and Greek counterparts in New York on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, discussing bilateral ties as well as regional and international developments, the Foreign Office (FO) said.

During his meeting with Austrian Minister for European and International Affairs Beate Meinl-Reisinger, the two sides expressed satisfaction over the “positive trajectory” of Pakistan-Austria relations and reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening cooperation in trade, investment, economic relations, education and people-to-people ties.

They also exchanged views on regional and international developments, including the situation in the Middle East.

Dar underscored the importance of “dialogue, diplomacy, and peaceful resolution of disputes” in accordance with the principles of the UN Charter and international law.

The Austrian FM appreciated Pakistan’s “constructive role” in promoting regional peace and stability and stressed the importance of “sustained diplomatic engagement” in addressing regional and global challenges.

Dar also stressed the importance of the “full implementation” of the Islamabad MoU by all parties, according to the FO.

Dar holds meeting with Hungarian FM

In a separate meeting with Hungarian FM Anita Orbán, Dar congratulated her on assuming office and conveyed his best wishes for a successful tenure.

The two ministers reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening Pakistan-Hungary relations and enhancing cooperation in the political, economic, trade and investment, business, education and people-to-people domains.

Both sides stressed the importance of convening “regular bilateral consultative mechanisms” to maintain momentum in bilateral engagement. The two foreign ministers also exchanged views on regional and international developments, with Dar underscoring that “dialogue and diplomacy remain the only viable means” of addressing challenges.

He also stressed the importance of “all parties returning to the Islamabad MoU”, the FO said. Both sides agreed to remain in “close contact” on bilateral and regional matters of mutual interest.

Dar, Bulgarian counterpart review full spectrum of relations

FM Dar also met Bulgarian FM Dr Velislava Petrova-Chamova, with the two sides reviewing the “entire spectrum” of Pakistan-Bulgaria bilateral relations and expressing a desire to strengthen ties through enhanced and regular political and economic engagement.

They also exchanged views on regional and global developments.

FM Dar reiterated that “dialogue and diplomacy remain the only viable means” of resolving outstanding issues and reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for diplomatic efforts to resolve regional disputes.

The two sides agreed to “stay engaged” and expand cooperation across areas of mutual interest.

Greek FM praises Pakistan’s role in regional peace

In his meeting with Greek FM George Gerapetritis, the Greek minister appreciated Pakistan’s “constructive role” in promoting regional peace and stability as well as its growing diplomatic engagement on the international stage.

The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening Pakistan-Greece relations, with particular focus on expanding trade, investment and business-to-business linkages.

The Greek foreign minister also appreciated the “valuable contribution” of the Pakistani diaspora in Greece.

The two ministers exchanged views on regional and global developments, including disruptions to energy supply chains, and underscored the importance of “unhindered maritime movement”.

They agreed to maintain “sustained high-level engagement” and extended invitations to each other for reciprocal visits, according to the FO.