United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres will visit Pakistan from October 6 to 8, the Foreign Office said on Monday.
The visit will highlight Pakistan’s efforts to strengthen multilateralism, international peace and security, disaster preparedness and early warning systems, the Foreign Office said.
Guterres will meet President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.
He will also meet Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, according to the Foreign Office.
Guterres to Visit UNMOGIP and NDMA
During his visit, Guterres will visit the headquarters of the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP).
He will also attend a briefing at the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) headquarters.
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The Foreign Office said the visit will provide an opportunity to discuss regional and international developments.
It will also reaffirm Pakistan’s longstanding cooperation with the United Nations, the ministry said.
The Foreign Office highlighted Pakistan’s support for multilateralism and the UN Charter.
It also acknowledged Guterres’ contribution to international peace and development during his tenure as UN secretary-general.
Visit Comes as Guterres’ Tenure Nears End
Guterres’ current term as UN secretary-general is due to end on December 31.
His Pakistan visit comes after renewed high-level contacts between Islamabad and the UN leadership.
Dar met Guterres in New York during the UN General Assembly session. The Pakistani foreign minister had invited the UN chief to visit Pakistan.
Guterres accepted the invitation, according to Pakistan’s Foreign Office.
The UN chief also met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on the sidelines of the General Assembly.
The two discussed major regional and international developments, including the situation in the Middle East.
Guterres has also praised Pakistan’s role at the United Nations and its contribution to international peace and security.
Guterres’ Second Pakistan Visit
Guterres first visited Pakistan as UN secretary-general in February 2020.
His latest visit will take place as the United Nations prepares for a transition in its top leadership.
Several candidates seeking to succeed Guterres have also visited Pakistan in recent months.
María Fernanda Espinosa and Ambassador Olara Otunnu separately met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during visits in July and September.
Both candidates praised Pakistan’s role in promoting international peace.
The upcoming visit will give Guterres and Pakistani officials an opportunity to discuss cooperation with the United Nations and developments affecting the region.
