Eu Day Light

According to a statement by Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar met with Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Botchwey at Marlborough House in London.

Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s strong commitment to the Commonwealth, of which it is a founding member, and stated that Pakistan supports Secretary-General Botchwey’s vision and efforts to strengthen the organization.

Reiterating Pakistan’s commitment to the agendas of youth, climate resilience and economic development, Dar highlighted the importance of expanding intra-Commonwealth trade through institutionalized cooperation in the banking sector.

Dar also pointed to Pakistan’s experience in mitigating the effects of climate change and disaster management, and reiterated its offer to host the Commonwealth Disaster Resilience Centre at the National Disaster Management Authority in Islamabad.

Botchwey welcomed Pakistan’s proposal and expressed interest in working with Pakistan to strengthen the disaster preparedness capacity of Commonwealth member states.

The two sides also agreed to strengthen youth-focused activities and cooperation under Pakistan’s co-chairmanship of the Commonwealth Youth Ministers Meeting.

Dar also briefed Botchwey on the latest developments in the Middle East and Pakistan’s mediation role in efforts to achieve peace between the United States and Iran. Botchwey congratulated Dar on his efforts and thanked him for his contribution to preventing a devastating war and promoting peace and stability in the region.