Pakistan and Iran foreign ministers meet in New York to review regional security and bilateral ties

Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar met with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi on Wednesday, on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.

What was discussed during the UNGA sidelines meeting between Dar and Araghchi?

According to an official statement released by Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the two top diplomats held detailed discussions on bilateral relations and reviewed pressing regional and international security developments. Deputy Prime Minister Dar underscored the critical importance of dialogue, diplomacy, and continuous engagement in promoting stability and peace across the region.

Both ministers agreed to maintain close contact and consultation as regional dynamics evolve. The face-to-face meeting follows a phone conversation between the two foreign ministers earlier in the week, during which Dar highlighted the need to safeguard global supply chains, secure regional maritime shipping routes, and ensure the uninterrupted transport of energy resources amidst Middle Eastern security challenges.

What other diplomatic engagements is Pakistan pursuing at the 81st UN General Assembly?

The bilateral meeting with Iran forms part of Pakistan’s extensive diplomatic itinerary during the high-level week of UNGA 81. Accompanying Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Ishaq Dar is participating in several multilateral sessions, including:

• Middle East & Palestinian Statehood: Participating in ministerial meetings with the Group of Eight Arab-Islamic countries and the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution.
• OIC Ministerial Conferences: Representing Pakistan in Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Contact Group sessions focused on Jammu and Kashmir and Palestine.
• ECO & Security Council Briefings: Chairing the Council of Ministers of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) and addressing UN Security Council high-level briefings on artificial intelligence and pandemic preparedness.