Source: United Nations (video statements)
Comments to the media by UN Secretary-General and Pakistan’s Deputy PM at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Pakistan’s capital city Islamabad on Tuesday at the start of UN Chief’s two-day visit to Pakistan.
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Secretary-General Antonio Guterres saluted Pakistan’s leadership in helping to create the conditions for dialogue between the United States and Iran, urging an end to the conflict, a return to diplomacy, and the full restoration of navigational rights and freedoms under international law.
On his first day visiting Pakistan, Guterres today (6 Oct) told reporters that over two decades in his different roles as the UN chief and the High Commissioner for Refugees, he has seen Pakistan as a source of solidarity and solutions.
He said, “for decades, Pakistan opened its doors to millions of Afghans fleeing conflict and instability. Communities around this country shared whatever they had with people seeking protection and safety.”
Guterres underscored that the UN is committed to working together with Pakistan to “uphold protection principles and ensure that returns of Afghans proceed in a voluntary, safe and dignified way.”
The Secretary-General also highlighted that Pakistan’s spirit of engagement is front and centre on issues of international peace and security.
He saluted Pakistan’s leadership in helping to create the conditions for dialogue between the United States and Iran and mediating that conflict, adding that its efforts helped deliver the 17 June Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, the subsequent ceasefire, and the framework for further negotiations.
He said, “from Islamabad, I want to send a loud and clear message to all parties: End the conflict. Return to diplomacy. Fully restore navigational rights and freedoms in accordance with international law.”
Guterres continued, “let’s not forget there will never be peace in the region until the right of self-determination of the Palestinian people is fully realized – as Pakistan has long championed. I also hope to see peace and prosperity in this region, anchored in dialogue and cooperation.”
The UN chief also noted that Pakistan is one of the world’s longstanding and largest contributors to United Nations peacekeeping.
He said, “Pakistani women and men have served with courage and distinction in some of the most difficult and dangerous environments. More than 180 brave Pakistani souls gave their lives in the service of peace. We honour their sacrifice.”
Guterres is planned to visit the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) today. He said that Pakistan has endured immense suffering. Thousands of people lost their lives. Families and communities across the country continue to bear scars.
He reiterated that the UN stands with Pakistan in confronting this threat of terrorism. He said, “my message is the same everywhere in the world. Addressing terrorism and legitimate security concerns is necessary and indispensable. And experience shows that the strongest and most effective security responses are those grounded in international law, human rights and the rule of law.”
On climate change, the Secretary-General recalled his last visit to the country during the catastrophic floods of 2022. He noted that Pakistan is on the frontlines of climate chaos despite contributing only a tiny fraction of global emissions.
“The G20 represents 80 percent of global emissions. We need a drastic reduction in those emissions this decade,” Guterres reiterated, adding that the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities must apply, but all countries must do their part.
He concluded, “developed countries must respect their commitments – namely those established in COP29 in Baku and deliver the finance, technology and support developing countries need to build resilience and accelerate a just transition.”