PM Shehbaz meets UN secretary-general candidate Michelle Bachelet

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday met former Chilean president Michelle Bachelet, a candidate for United Nations secretary-general, and reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for multilateralism and the central role of the U.N. in addressing global challenges.

The meeting was held at the Prime Minister House in Islamabad. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch were also present.

Welcoming Bachelet to Pakistan, Sharif said the country strongly supported a rules-based international system centred on the United Nations.

He stressed the need for member states to uphold the purposes and principles of the U.N. Charter and ensure the effective implementation of Security Council resolutions and other international agreements.

The prime minister also called for balanced progress across the three main pillars of the United Nations: peace and security, development and human rights.

Sharif said stronger international cooperation was needed to accelerate implementation of the global development agenda and address challenges facing developing countries.

Bachelet appreciated Pakistan’s longstanding contributions to the United Nations and acknowledged its role in promoting regional and international peace and security.

The meeting came during Bachelet’s visit to Pakistan as she seeks support for her candidacy for the post of U.N. secretary-general.