Bilateral Dialogue Emphasizes Multilateral Cooperation, Regional Stability

New York June 4, 2025 In a significant diplomatic engagement, France’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Nicolas de Rivière, met with a high-level Pakistani parliamentary delegation during their official visit to the United Nations Headquarters in New York. The meeting, which took place at the French mission, aimed to strengthen bilateral ties and discuss key issues of regional and global concern.

Delegation Headed by Senate Chairman

The Pakistani delegation was led by Chairman of the Senate of Pakistan, Senator Yousaf Raza Gillani, and included members from both houses of Parliament. The visit is part of Pakistan’s broader efforts to expand parliamentary diplomacy and reinforce engagement with key members of the United Nations Security Council.

According to official sources, the meeting lasted over an hour and covered a wide array of topics, ranging from United Nations reform to regional peace, climate change, and counter-terrorism cooperation.

Strengthening Multilateral Diplomacy

During the meeting, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to multilateralism and the rules-based international order. Ambassador de Rivière lauded Pakistan’s consistent contributions to United Nations peacekeeping missions and its role in advocating for dialogue and conflict resolution through diplomatic channels.

Senator Gillani, in turn, reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to constructive engagement at the United Nations and expressed appreciation for France’s support on issues concerning international law, human rights, and sustainable development.

“Our meeting today underscores the importance of dialogue between legislative bodies and multilateral missions. We share a common interest in global peace, justice, and cooperation,” Gillani remarked during the interaction.

Regional Peace and Security in Focus

A significant portion of the discussion focused on regional security issues, particularly the evolving situation in Afghanistan, rising tensions in the Middle East, and the strategic dynamics of South Asia. The Pakistani delegation conveyed Islamabad’s concerns about the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and stressed the urgent need for international intervention to end hostilities.

Ambassador de Rivière acknowledged the importance of regional stability and emphasized France’s support for peaceful resolutions based on international humanitarian law and UN resolutions.

In a briefing after the meeting, Pakistani officials confirmed that the issue of Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir was also raised, with emphasis on the human rights situation and the importance of dialogue for long-term peace in South Asia.

Climate Change and Development Cooperation

Both parties also discussed the growing impact of climate change and the need for enhanced collaboration in sustainable development. Pakistan, being one of the countries most vulnerable to climate disasters, highlighted its commitment to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) despite economic and environmental challenges.

France expressed willingness to deepen cooperation in climate adaptation and renewable energy initiatives, particularly through multilateral forums like the UN Climate Change Conference (COP) and the International Solar Alliance.

Parliamentary Engagement at the Global Stage

The meeting forms part of a larger itinerary involving the Pakistani parliamentary delegation’s engagements with various United Nations bodies, member states, and civil society organizations. This diplomatic outreach aims to position Pakistan’s Parliament as an active player in global legislative diplomacy.

The delegation has been particularly vocal about equitable representation in global governance institutions, including the call for reform of the United Nations Security Council. Senator Gillani emphasized the need for inclusive international decision-making structures that better reflect the global South.

“The voices of emerging democracies must be heard more clearly in global platforms. Parliaments play a crucial role in bridging the gap between global policy and local impact,” he said.

France-Pakistan Bilateral Ties

France and Pakistan have shared diplomatic relations since 1951, with cooperation spanning defense, education, culture, and trade. Over the past decade, bilateral ties have seen renewed momentum, particularly in renewable energy and cultural exchange.

This high-level meeting signals both nations’ intention to enhance coordination within multilateral forums and explore new avenues for cooperation. French officials expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s leadership within the Group of 77 (G77) and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), recognizing its role in articulating the concerns of developing nations.

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