DPM briefs Commonwealth Secretary-General on Pakistan’s role in brokering US-Iran peace deal, recent developments in ME

ISLAMABAD, Aug 26 (APP): Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister (DPM /FM), Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, on Wednesday met with Commonwealth Secretary-General, Shirley Botchwey at Marlborough House in London and briefed her on recent developments in the Middle East, including Pakistan’s role in brokering peace between the United States and Iran.

Reaffirming Pakistan’s strong commitment to the Commonwealth as a founding member, the DPM/FM underscored Pakistan’s support for the Secretary-General’s vision and efforts to strengthen the Organisation, a DPM’s Office news release said.

He also reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to the Commonwealth’s youth, climate resilience, and economic development agendas, as well as to promoting intra-Commonwealth trade through institutionalised banking sector cooperation.

In view of Pakistan’s expertise in climate mitigation and disaster management, the DPM/FM noted that Commonwealth member states could benefit from Pakistan’s expertise and renewed Pakistan’s offer to host the Commonwealth Disaster Resilience Hub at the National Disaster Management Authority in Islamabad.

The Secretary-General welcomed the DPM/FM’s offer and noted the Secretariat’s keen interest in working with Pakistan to strengthen the disaster preparedness capabilities of Commonwealth member states.

To promote youth development, both leaders agreed to further strengthen cooperation and enhance youth-related activities across the Commonwealth under Pakistan’s co-chairmanship of the Commonwealth Youth Ministers Meeting (CYMM), with a view to ensuring greater benefits and opportunities for young people.

The Secretary-General felicitated Pakistan, especially the DPM/FM, for his untiring efforts and mediation between the United States and Iran. She thanked him for helping avert a destructive war and for contributing to peace and stability in the region.