Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif held a series of high-level meetings with world leaders and heads of international organizations on the sidelines of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA81), discussing bilateral cooperation, economic reforms and major regional and global developments.
Meeting with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa: Prime Minister Shehbaz reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to its longstanding ties with Syria and support for Syria’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity. According to the prime minister’s account, the two leaders discussed expanding high-level engagement and cooperation in trade, investment, education and information technology. Shehbaz also expressed Pakistan’s readiness to contribute to Syria’s reconstruction and economic recovery. The situation in Palestine was also discussed.
Talks with IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva: Shehbaz thanked the IMF managing director for the Fund’s continued engagement with Pakistan and reiterated his government’s commitment to its economic reform programme. He said Pakistan was moving from macroeconomic stabilization toward economic recovery, citing fiscal discipline, stronger external buffers and investor confidence. The two also discussed Pakistan’s forthcoming IMF programme review.
Pakistan-EU relations: In a meeting with European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Shehbaz discussed Pakistan-EU relations and emphasized the importance of continued high-level engagement. He highlighted the significance of the EU’s GSP+ trade framework for Pakistan’s exports, economic growth and employment. The discussions also covered regional and global developments and the role of diplomacy, international law and peaceful dispute resolution.
Meeting with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian: Shehbaz and Pezeshkian reaffirmed Pakistan-Iran ties and discussed expanding bilateral cooperation. According to Shehbaz’s statement, they also reviewed regional tensions, with the Pakistani prime minister calling for restraint, de-escalation and sustained diplomacy. He said Pakistan remained committed to building on the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding and contributing to regional peace and stability.
Pakistan-Bangladesh cooperation: During talks with Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, the two sides agreed to deepen cooperation in trade, investment, connectivity, education, tourism and people-to-people exchanges while coordinating on regional, global and multilateral issues. Shehbaz also congratulated Bangladesh Foreign Minister Khalil ur Rehman on assuming the presidency of the 81st UN General Assembly and pledged Pakistan’s support for the conduct of the session.
Meeting with Lebanese PM Nawaf Salam: Shehbaz reiterated Pakistan’s support for Lebanon’s sovereignty, unity, political independence and territorial integrity. He expressed concern over continuing hostilities and incursions into Lebanese territory and called for adherence to the ceasefire and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from occupied Lebanese territory. The two prime ministers also discussed cooperation in trade, investment, defence and institutional ties.
Meeting with UN Secretary-General António Guterres: Shehbaz and Guterres discussed international and regional security challenges. The prime minister stressed dialogue and diplomacy as means of resolving conflicts, particularly in the Middle East. He reiterated Pakistan’s support for Palestinian self-determination and statehood and raised concerns over Islamophobia and what Pakistan describes as terrorism emanating from Afghan territory.
Meeting with Prince Rahim Aga Khan V: Shehbaz also met Prince Rahim Aga Khan V and recalled the contributions of his late father, Aga Khan IV, to Pakistan. Their discussions focused on strengthening cooperation with the Aga Khan Development Network in healthcare, agriculture, rural development, climate resilience and the empowerment of youth and women.
The prime minister also met Denis Bećirović, Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Both sides reaffirmed friendly Pakistan-Bosnia and Herzegovina relations and discussed expanding trade, investment and people-to-people exchanges. They also stressed dialogue, diplomacy and multilateral cooperation in addressing regional and global challenges.
During a meeting with Kenyan President William Ruto, the two leaders discussed strengthening Pakistan-Kenya cooperation in trade, investment, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, education and defence. Shehbaz said he appreciated Ruto’s remarks concerning Pakistan’s mediation efforts for peace in West Asia and the Gulf region and described Kenya as an important Pakistani partner in Africa.
Shehbaz also met Kuwaiti Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, reaffirming what he described as the deep-rooted and fraternal relationship between Pakistan and Kuwait. Both sides discussed expanding cooperation in trade, investment and energy, while also exchanging views on regional developments and emphasizing dialogue and diplomacy.
The meetings reflected Pakistan’s wide-ranging diplomatic outreach during UNGA81, spanning the Middle East, Europe, Africa and South Asia, alongside engagement with the United Nations and the IMF. Economic cooperation, investment, bilateral partnerships and regional peace featured prominently across the discussions.
