Chaudhry TabraizAurah
LONDON: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar met Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Botchwey at Marlborough House in London and reaffirmed Pakistan’s strong commitment to the Commonwealth.
During the meeting, Dar expressed Pakistan’s support for the Secretary-General’s vision to strengthen the organisation and highlighted Pakistan’s commitment to the Commonwealth’s priorities, particularly youth development, climate resilience, economic growth and greater intra-Commonwealth trade through institutionalised banking cooperation.
Given Pakistan’s experience in climate mitigation and disaster management, Dar renewed the country’s offer to host the Commonwealth Disaster Resilience Hub at the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) in Islamabad. Secretary-General Botchwey welcomed the proposal and expressed the Secretariat’s interest in working with Pakistan to enhance disaster preparedness among Commonwealth member states.
The two sides also agreed to strengthen cooperation on youth development and expand youth-related activities across the Commonwealth under Pakistan’s co-chairmanship of the Commonwealth Youth Ministers Meeting (CYMM), aiming to create greater opportunities for young people.
Dar also briefed the Secretary-General on recent developments in the Middle East, including Pakistan’s role in facilitating peace efforts between the United States and Iran.
Secretary-General Botchwey congratulated Pakistan and Dar for his efforts and mediation between Washington and Tehran, thanking him for helping avert a potentially destructive conflict and contributing to regional peace and stability.
