NEW YORK: France vowed to help Pakistan’s flood reconstruction efforts in the wake of devastating floods as President of France Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday met with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on the sidelines of the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly.
Along with exchanging opinions on how to improve bilateral ties, the two presidents also decided to mobilize international assistance to help Pakistan recover from recent disastrous floods caused by climate change and rebuild its economy on a sustainable basis.
Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif meets H.E. Mr. Emmanuel Macron, President of France on the sidelines of UNGA 77 Session 2022.#PMPakatUNGA pic.twitter.com/h1K7KvJOqN
— Prime Minister’s Office (@PakPMO) September 20, 2022
Before the end of the year, France will host an international conference to bring together the necessary development and financial partners, with the goal of assisting in the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Pakistan’s flood-affected areas and, with the aid of climate-resilient reconstruction-related financing, accelerating the switch to renewable energy.
Later, the prime minister also held meetings with Federal Chancellor of the Republic of Austria Karl Nehammer, Iranian President and the Prime Ministers of Spain. The leaders discussed bilateral relations and ways to strengthen mutual cooperation in multiple fields.
The Spanish government’s support and solidarity in the wake of Pakistan’s severe floods caused by climate change were acknowledged by the prime minister, who also praised Spain for providing emergency aid to those in need. He described the damage that the floods had done to important infrastructure, homes, livestock, and crops.
The prime minister emphasized Pakistan’s support for an Afghanistan that is inclusive, peaceful, stable, economic, and connected in the context of the region. He continued by pointing out the dire humanitarian circumstances and significant economic difficulties Afghanistan was facing.
President Sanchez was invited by the PM to visit Pakistan whenever it would be convenient for him. Shehbaz Sharif and Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer discussed regional issues and assessed bilateral relations in a separate meeting.
In a meeting with Iranian President Seyed Ebrahim Raisi, the prime minister once again expressed his gratitude to the Iranian government and people for their assistance and support given to Pakistan in the wake of devastating floods.
During the meeting, the two leaders agreed to deepen and broaden bilateral cooperation across a broad range of areas, including economic and trade, energy and connectivity, cultural contacts, and people-to-people links.
The prime minister is scheduled to address the 193 members of the assembly on September 23. The debate began on Tuesday and will end on September 26.
