11 March 2025
Pakistan has welcomed the European Union’s engagement with the whole spectrum of the United Nations from the provision of continued support to the UN’s annual budget to its sustained commitment to the UN peacekeeping operations and peace-building activities.
In a statement in the Security Council meeting on the EU’s engagement with the UN today, Ambassador Munir Akram, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative, lauded the EU for its humanitarian support to the suffering people of Gaza and the West Bank, as well as its support to UNRWA. He said that Pakistan also welcomes the EU’s support to the Arab and now the OIC plan for reconstruction of Gaza and peace in Palestine based on the Two-State solution.
While underlining the ongoing monumental changes in the areas of peace, security, development, climate, terrorism with attendant global instability and geopolitical confrontation, Ambassador Munir Akram reiterated Pakistan’s position on the establishment of peace in Ukraine through ongoing dialogue and inclusive processes, adding that “all conflicts and disputes must be resolved in accordance with the principles of the UN Charter – applied universally and consistently.”
Ambassador Munir Akram said that as a developing country, Pakistan also appreciates the EU’s commitment to the Paris Climate Agreement, 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the reform of International Financial Architecture, and provision of humanitarian assistance for people afflicted by catastrophes.
“At a time when international development cooperation is under immense stress, the EU’s sustained support, including to UN agencies, funds and programmes will be critical. We look forward to collaborating with the EU to secure a meaningful result at the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development in Spain,” he emphasized.
The Pakistan UN Ambassador recalled Pakistan’s excellent relations with the EU and said that Pakistan and the EU enjoy a robust, comprehensive and wide-ranging partnership. He stated that the EU, as a unit, is Pakistan’s largest trade and investment partner.
“The GSP plus has played an important role in the growth of Pakistan-EU trade and has served as a win-win model for economic cooperation,” he said.
Ambassador Akram welcomed the Pakistan-EU Strategic Engagement Plan signed in 2019 with structural dialogues, including the EU-Pakistan Political Dialogue and Pakistan-EU Joint Commission meetings. He also welcomed EU investments under the EU’s Global Gateway Strategy in renewable energy, digital infrastructure, education, water and sanitation and disaster management, and hope to explore opportunities through the Horizon Europe Programme.
In the end, the Pakistan UN envoy said: “We must all together reaffirm our commitment to the international law, equality, and a global order underpinned by the UN Charter to promote durable peace, sustainable development and inclusive growth.”