New Delhi: UNGA President Volkan Bozkir, who is on a visit to Pakistan from May 26 to May 28, called upon India and Pakistan to pursue the path for peaceful resolution of the issue of Jammu and Kashmir.
The UNGA President also urged both the parties to refrain from changing the status of the disputed territory.
According to the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Pakistan Zaheed Hafiz Chaudhri, Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi held delegation-level talks on Thursday with Volkan Bozkir, the President of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
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During the discussion, UNGA President reiterated that the UN's position on the Jammu and Kashmir dispute is governed by the UN Charter and relevant UNSC resolutions, calling for a ‘free and impartial plebiscite under the UN auspices.
Both the leaders discussed a wide range of political and socio-economic issues on the UN agenda including the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, the situation in Palestine, the Afghan peace process, reform of the UN Security Council, equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines, and Financing for Sustainable Development.
The Foreign Minister apprised Bozkir about the grave human rights and humanitarian situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), Pakistan Foreign Ministry spokesperson said.
Qureshi stressed that India’s systematic efforts to change the demographic structure of the occupied territory were in contravention of international law, including the 4th Geneva Convention.
He called for a peaceful solution to the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in line with UN Security Council resolutions and the wishes of the Kashmiri people.
Condemning the Israeli atrocities in Occupied Palestinian Territories, Pakistan Foreign Minister commended the role of Bozkir in organizing a special meeting of the UN General Assembly last week.
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He emphasized that the international community must fulfil its responsibility in protecting the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people and take steps to facilitate a comprehensive and lasting solution in line with the UN resolutions envisaging the establishment of a viable, independent and contiguous Palestinian state, with pre-1967 borders, and Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital, the spokesperson said.
Focusing on the importance of the UN reforms, both the leaders underscored the need to transform the organization into a more effective, transparent, democratic, accountable and efficient body.
The Foreign Minister highlighted Pakistan’s positive contribution in facilitating the Afghan peace process and reiterated Pakistan’s support for a negotiated political settlement for lasting peace and stability in Afghanistan, through an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned process.
Welcoming President Bozkir initiative of “Vaccine 4 All”, Pakistan Foreign Minister re-emphasized Pakistan’s call for universal access to affordable vaccines for COVID-19. He stressed the importance of removing export restrictions on vaccines and essential materials for the benefit of humanity.
He further stressed the need for enhanced international cooperation, under UN auspices, to end illicit financial flows and enhance investments in sustainable infrastructure to meet sustainable development and climate goals.
Bozkir – the first Turkish national to preside over the UN General Assembly – is a former diplomat and a senior politician. He earlier visited Pakistan in August 2020.
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