NEW YORK: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has highlighted Kashmir issue during his bilateral meetings with world leaders on the sidelines of UN General Assembly session in New York.
During his meeting with Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe, he urged Japan to play its role for granting Kashmiris their right to self-determination as per UN Security Council resolutions.
The Prime Minister apprised the Japanese Prime Minister about the plight of the Kashmiri people at the hands of India.
Japanese Prime Minister also expressed grave concern over atrocities in Occupied Kashmir. He appreciated Pakistan’s efforts against terrorism and acknowledged economic reforms of the government.
Both leaders agreed to commence talks for a free trade agreement between the two countries.
The Prime Minister highlighted Pakistan’s economic growth and the potential to enhance Japanese investments in Pakistan. The two Prime Ministers discussed the need to further strengthen trade and economic ties.
During meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif apprised him on the current situation in the Kashmir valley and asked Turkey to urge India to immediately stop the human rights violations in Kashmir.
Turkish President said a fact-finding mission of OIC and Human Rights Commission will be sent to Occupied Kahsmir.
Both sides expressed satisfaction on bilateral investment initiatives. It was agreed to further boost trade and investment ties to realize their full potential.
The Prime Minister thanked Turkey over its support for Pakistan for its membership application in Nuclear Suppliers Group.
Meanwhile, the Advisor on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz held bilateral meetings in New York with his counterparts from Japan, Austria and Switzerland.
During these meetings, he raised the Kashmir issue and India’s human rights violations and called on the international community to play its part in helping resolve Kashmir dispute in line with UNSC resolutions.
The Adviser also discussed developments in Afghanistan, as well as Pakistan’s successful efforts in counterterrorism. He sought support for Pakistan’s candidature for NSG membership, based on its strong credentials in non-proliferation as well as nuclear safety and security.
Another significant development was the Foreign Secretary’s meeting with EU Secretary General of European External Action Service, Ms. Helga Schmid. Foreign Secretary raised the issue of Jammu and Kashmir with the EU and called upon the EU to use its influence with India to end bloodshed in the Valley and resolve the Kashmir issue. Both sides also discussed Afghanistan, in particular, the upcoming Brussels Ministerial Conference in October.
