Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar met French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noel Barot on the occasion of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

According to the spokesperson of the Foreign Office, bilateral relations between Pakistan and France, regional and global situation and issues of mutual interest were discussed in the meeting.

Ishaq Dar expressed his desire to further strengthen bilateral relations through political contacts, trade and investment, educational contacts and public relations.

The Deputy Prime Minister also welcomed France’s decision to limit imports from Israeli settlements and appreciated France’s efforts for a two-state solution.

The two leaders emphasized that the Palestinian issue should remain a priority on the global agenda and that global efforts for a just, sustainable and comprehensive solution should continue.

The meeting also discussed the situation in Iran, emphasizing the importance of continuing diplomatic ties and efforts to resolve the crisis at the regional level. Both the Foreign Ministers highlighted the importance of implementing the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

The meeting also emphasized the need to ensure safe and uninterrupted flow of maritime traffic and uninterrupted supply of energy.

The French Foreign Minister appreciated Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts for peace and stability in the region and agreed on the importance of using regional forums to solve regional challenges and promote dialogue.

Both sides agreed to maintain close contact on bilateral and regional issues of mutual interest.