NEW YORK — Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif held talks with Prime Minister Nawaf Salam of the Lebanese Republic on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, with the two leaders reviewing bilateral relations and reaffirming their commitment to deepening the longstanding and fraternal ties between Pakistan and Lebanon.
Regional Developments in Focus
During the meeting, the two premiers exchanged views on the latest developments in the Middle East and the wider region, with the discussions unfolding against a backdrop of heightened tensions and fragile ceasefire arrangements in Lebanon.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s steadfast support for Lebanon’s sovereignty, political independence, unity and territorial integrity, according to an official statement.
Call for Ceasefire and Israeli Withdrawal
The Pakistani premier called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and strict adherence to ceasefire arrangements. He also pressed for the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from occupied Lebanese territory and the full implementation of relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
- Immediate halt to hostilities and respect for ceasefire terms
- Complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from occupied Lebanese territory
- Full implementation of UN Security Council resolutions
Broadening Bilateral Cooperation
Beyond regional security, the two sides explored avenues to further enhance bilateral cooperation across a range of sectors, including high-level exchanges, trade and investment, defence, and institutional linkages.
Both leaders underscored the importance of continued coordination at the United Nations and other multilateral fora, signalling a shared intent to align their positions on key international issues.
The meeting reflects Pakistan’s continued diplomatic engagement on Middle East peace and security, and its push to strengthen partnerships with friendly nations during the UN General Assembly’s high-level week.
