Islamabad (Web Desk): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is set to embark on an important diplomatic tour next week, with visits to Saudi Arabia and Azerbaijan to attend two prominent international summits.
According to a statement issued by Foreign Office (FO) Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, the prime minister will first travel to Riyadh to participate in the Second Joint Arab Islamic Summit and then proceed to Baku for the World Leaders Climate Action Summit.
PM Shehbaz will attend the Second Joint Arab Islamic Summit in Riyadh on November 11, 2024, at the invitation of the Saudi government.
This summit serves as a follow-up to the Joint Arab Islamic Extraordinary Summit held in Riyadh last year, which focused on the escalating crisis in Gaza and the broader issues facing the occupied Palestinian territories.
The upcoming summit is expected to bring together heads of state, government officials, and senior diplomats from across the Arab League and Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) member countries.
During his participation, PM Shehbaz is expected to emphasize Pakistan’s steadfast support for the Palestinian cause. He will call for an immediate halt to the ongoing genocide in Gaza, demand an unconditional ceasefire, and urge the cessation of Israeli military operations in the region that are threatening regional peace and security.
Furthermore, the premier will advocate for the international protection of Palestinian civilians and underscore the need for the establishment of a sovereign and independent Palestinian state based on the pre-1967 borders, with Jerusalem (Quds Al Sharif) as its capital.
On the sidelines of the summit, PM Shehbaz is also expected to hold bilateral meetings with other heads of state and senior officials from Arab and OIC nations, further reinforcing Pakistan's diplomatic engagement with these key regional powers.
Following his visit to Saudi Arabia, PM Shehbaz will head to Baku, Azerbaijan, to take part in the World Leaders Climate Action Summit, scheduled for November 12-13, 2024. This summit is part of the broader proceedings of the 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29).
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Muhammad Ishaq Dar, along with other senior government officials, will accompany the prime minister during this important event.
In Baku, PM Shehbaz will make a robust call for climate solidarity, emphasizing climate justice, and advocating for the principles of equity and differentiated responsibilities as the world confronts the pressing challenges of global warming and environmental degradation.
Given the profound impact of climate change on countries like Pakistan, which has experienced devastating floods, droughts, and extreme weather events, the prime minister is expected to make a forceful case for international climate action to mitigate these impacts.
The summit will provide an opportunity for Pakistan to further strengthen its position as a key player in global climate diplomacy.
PM Shehbaz will push for increased support for vulnerable nations, such as Pakistan, which continues to bear the brunt of climate change despite contributing a relatively small percentage of global carbon emissions.
As COP29 unfolds, Pakistan will continue to play a constructive role in advocating for effective climate adaptation strategies, while urging developed countries to fulfill their long-standing commitments to support developing nations in their efforts to combat climate change.
Throughout his participation in both summits, PM Shehbaz will work to bolster Pakistan’s international standing, advancing the country’s priorities in Middle Eastern peace and climate justice, while forging stronger diplomatic ties with key global partners.