Islamabad, November 7, 2024-Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will travel next week to Saudi Arabia and Azerbaijan to attend the Second Joint Arab Islamic Summit in Riyadh and the World Leaders Climate Action Summit at COP29 in Baku.
According to Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, the Prime Minister will join the Second Joint Arab Islamic Summit in Riyadh on November 11, convened by the Saudi government as a follow-up to last year’s summit addressing the Gaza crisis and other occupied territories. Heads of state, government leaders, and officials from Arab League and OIC countries are expected to attend. At the summit, Prime Minister Sharif will reaffirm Pakistan’s support for the Palestinian cause, calling for an end to the Gaza genocide, an unconditional ceasefire, and international protection for Palestinians. He will also advocate for an independent Palestinian state within the 1967 borders with Quds Al Sharif as its capital. Bilateral meetings with other Arab and OIC leaders are anticipated.
Following his visit to Saudi Arabia, Prime Minister Sharif will attend the World Leaders Climate Action Summit in Baku on November 12-13, part of COP29. Accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar, cabinet members, and senior officials, he will emphasize climate solidarity and justice based on equity and differentiated responsibilities. COP29 arrives as millions worldwide, including in Pakistan, face severe climate impacts. Pakistan aims to make constructive contributions to the global climate conversation and action.
The Prime Minister will also hold bilateral meetings with international leaders on the summit’s sidelines, highlighting Pakistan’s commitment to collaborative global climate efforts.