NEW YORK: Pakistan and France have stressed the need to ensure the safety and free flow of maritime traffic and uninterrupted energy supplies, given the wider economic implications of the disruptions.
This came during a meeting between Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and France’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot on the sidelines of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, a Foreign Office statement said.
Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar met Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France Jean-Noël Barrot @jnBarrot, on sidelines of the 81st Session of UNGA in New York.
Both sides reviewed Pakistan-France bilateral relations and… pic.twitter.com/rB2ex3H3Ij
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) September 21, 2026
Both sides reviewed bilateral relations and exchanged views on regional and global developments.
During the meeting, Ishaq Dar reiterated Pakistan’s desire to further strengthen bilateral ties, including through enhanced political engagement, trade and investment, educational linkages and people-to-people exchanges.
Pakistan lauds France’s support for the two-State solution
Ishaq Dar appreciated France’s efforts in support of the two-State solution, including its decision to restrict imports of goods from Israeli settlements.
“Both Ministers stressed that the Palestine issue must remain high on the international agenda and underscored the importance of sustained international efforts towards a just, lasting and comprehensive resolution,” the statement read.
Implementation of Islamabad MoU
On the situation concerning Iran, both sides exchanged views on the importance of continued diplomatic engagement and regional efforts to address the crisis, and highlighted the importance of implementing the Islamabad MoU.
The US and Iran signed the Pakistan-brokered Islamabad MoU in June to halt fighting and start technical-level negotiations for a comprehensive agreement between Washington and Tehran.
Under the Islamabad MoU, the US and Iran committed to halt military operations, reopen the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping and negotiate a comprehensive agreement covering Iran’s nuclear programme, US sanctions and a permanent ceasefire within 60 days.
Pakistan mediated talks between Iran and the United States after helping secure a ceasefire on April 8 and hosted high-level talks between the two sides in Islamabad on April 12 and 13.
“The French Foreign Minister appreciated Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts for peace and stability in the region and agreed on the importance of utilising regional forums to address regional challenges and promote dialogue,” the Foreign Office said.
Both sides agreed to maintain close engagement on bilateral and regional matters of mutual interest.
Dar meets EU top diplomat
Meanwhile, Ishaq also held a meeting with the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission Kaja Kallas in New York.
Highlighting the importance Pakistan attaches to its partnership with the European Union, particularly in trade and economic cooperation, Ishaq Dar stressed the significance of GSP+ for Pakistan’s trade relations with the EU, the Foreign Office said.
Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 met EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission Kaja Kallas @KajaKallas on sidelines of 81st UN General Assembly in New York today.… pic.twitter.com/dB1qS7RgGx
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) September 21, 2026
The two sides also exchanged views on regional and global developments. The Deputy Prime Minister appreciated the EU’s constructive engagement with Pakistan during recent regional developments and its recognition of Pakistan’s efforts towards de-escalation and dialogue.
He stressed the importance of returning to the path of dialogue and diplomacy and ensuring full implementation of the Islamabad MoU by all parties.
Ishaq Dar arrives in New York to attend 81st UNGA session
Earlier, Deputy Prime Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar arrived in New York to participate in the High-Level Week of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
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According to the Foreign Office, the Deputy Prime Minister has a full programme of high-level engagements in the week ahead.
Arrival of Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 in NewYork to attend 81st Session of UN General Assembly pic.twitter.com/3HVDqZqv6v
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) September 21, 2026
He will participate in ministerial forums and deliver Pakistan’s statements and interventions on key issues of importance to Pakistan, including bilateral, regional and international priorities across the UN agenda.
Alongside accompanying the Prime Minister, he will hold a series of bilateral meetings with his counterparts and participate in a range of high-level engagements on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.
