President Zardari Holds Key Diplomatic Engagements with UN, Italy and South Korea

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari held a series of important diplomatic engagements at the Aiwan-e-Sadr, meeting the UN Resident Coordinator in Pakistan and the designated ambassadors of Italy and the Republic of Korea.

During a farewell meeting with UN Resident Coordinator Muhammad Yahya, the President called for further strengthening Pakistan-UN cooperation in sustainable development, climate resilience, poverty alleviation, education, health and social protection.

President Zardari appreciated the UN’s continued support for polio eradication, maternal and child health, nutrition services and the Benazir Nashonuma Programme. He also welcomed continued UN cooperation on initiatives including the Living Indus Initiative and Recharge Pakistan.

The President also received the diplomatic credentials of the designated ambassadors of Italy and the Republic of Korea and held separate meetings with both envoys.

During his meeting with the Italian envoy, President Zardari welcomed the continued growth in bilateral trade and investment, noting that Pakistan-Italy trade has crossed the US$1 billion mark. He also appreciated Italy’s support for Pakistan’s candidacy for the UN Security Council for the 2025–26 term and described the Pakistani community in Italy as an important bridge between the two countries.

In his meeting with the Korean envoy, the President reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to further expanding multifaceted relations with the Republic of Korea, particularly in trade, investment, technology, shipbuilding, defence, climate change and economic development.

He welcomed ongoing negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between Pakistan and Korea and expressed confidence that cooperation between the two countries would continue to expand across diverse sectors.