United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres arrived in Pakistan on Monday for a two-day official visit, scheduled from October 6 to 8, at the invitation of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.
The Foreign Office said Guterres was received upon arrival by Acting Foreign Secretary Ambassador Nabeel Munir.
The visit comes as Guterres approaches the end of his 10-year tenure as UN secretary-general, which is set to conclude on December 31.
During his stay, Guterres is scheduled to meet President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, as well as Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir.
The UN chief will also visit the headquarters of the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) and attend a briefing at the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) headquarters.
According to the Foreign Office, the visit will highlight Pakistan’s efforts to strengthen multilateralism and promote international peace and security, along with its progress in disaster preparedness and early-warning systems.
The visit will also provide an opportunity to reaffirm Pakistan’s longstanding cooperation with the United Nations and discuss key regional and international developments.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met Guterres on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York last month. Their discussions covered major regional and international issues, including the situation in the Middle East.
During that meeting, Guterres praised Pakistan’s role and strong voice at the United Nations, as well as its contribution to international peace and security. He also acknowledged Pakistan’s efforts and sacrifices in combating terrorism.
Guterres previously visited Pakistan in February 2020, around three years after assuming the position of UN secretary-general.
The visit comes as the race to select Guterres’ successor continues. Two of the six candidates seeking the top UN position have visited Pakistan in recent months and held meetings with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Former UN General Assembly president María Fernanda Espinosa and Ambassador Olara Otunnu visited Pakistan separately in July and September, respectively, and praised the country’s contribution to efforts aimed at promoting international peace and cooperation.
