Antonio Guterres travelled from New York to Islamabad on Sunday night for a four-day trip in Pakistan. During his time in Pakistan, Guterres will discuss the nation's constructive role in supporting negotiations between the United States and Iran.
Furthermore, the UN chief plans to discuss Pakistan's mediatory role in the U.S. conflict with Iran. Meetings are scheduled for Guterres with Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar.
The UN chief will also meet with President Asif Ali Zardari. Stephane Dujarric stated that Pakistan has used its diplomacy and mediation to bring parties together when dialogue is most needed.
The UN chief praised Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts in the Middle East conflict, which resulted in a Memorandum of Understanding establishing a ceasefire. Advocating for a return to dialogue, Guterres stressed the need to end the war following the breakdown of the ceasefire.
The UN chief will visit the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) in Islamabad. Additionally, Guterres is set to visit the headquarters of the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) in Islamabad.
The UN chief is expected to return to New York on Thursday.
