Press Release

(2017-09-22) Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua represented Pakistan at a series of high level meetings today, including the Annual Coordination Meeting of OIC, the Ministerial meeting of the Group of 77 and China, the Group of Friends meeting on UN Alliance of Civilizations and the High Level meeting on Palestinian Refugees.

Speaking at the OIC meeting, the Foreign Secretary stressed that the goal of peace and stability in South Asia could not be accomplished without addressing the core issue of Jammu and Kashmir. In the context of human rights violations in Indian Occupied Kashmir, she reiterated Pakistan’s call for the UN Secretary General and the High Commissioner of Human Rights to send an inquiry commission to verify the nature and extent of such violations. The Foreign Secretary also expressed Pakistan’s solidarity with the Rohingya Muslims and support for OIC efforts to alleviate their suffering.

Acknowledging the invaluable contribution of the Group of 77 and China towards improving the global economic governance and promoting the development agenda, the Foreign Secretary expressed Pakistan’s full support to the Group’s efforts in advancing and safeguarding the shared interests of its members within the UN.

During the meeting of UN Alliance of Civilizations, the Foreign Secretary highlighted Pakistan’s role of a bridge-builder at the United Nations on evolving harmony between cultures and civilizations. She affirmed that Pakistan would continue to play its role to promote the time tested principles of respect for all and peaceful coexistence.

Speaking at the high level meeting on Palestine, the Foreign Secretary commended the vital role of UN Relief Works Agency (UNRWA) in support of Palestinian refugees, especially the educational and health needs of the Palestinian children. She underlined the need for sustained UN funding for UNRWA and Pakistan’s continued support for it.

Islamabad
22 Sept 2017