Pakistan Calls for Enhanced UN-Regional Cooperation

UNITED NATIONS: Pakistan advocates for enhancing collaboration between the U.N. and regional and sub-regional organizations to uphold global peace and security, a senior Pakistani diplomat stated, while emphasizing that no state should be permitted to dominate regional organizations.

“We must strive for a collective vision that benefits all,” Ambassador Munir Akram remarked to the UN Security Council during a debate chaired by Russia, the current president of the 15-nation body for July.Prime Minister Shehbaz Urges Collective Action and Peace at SCO Summit

The Pakistani envoy highlighted that national interests should not obstruct regional integration. He pointed out that the dominance ambitions of a large state have hindered the potential of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), referring to India.

SAARC, formed in 1985, includes Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. However, India has consistently been a barrier to promoting regional cooperation through SAARC, which was established to bring prosperity to South Asia. Ambassador Akram noted, “Regional integration is the next phase of institutional development in international relations, especially in trade and industry.

He emphasized the significant roles of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in fostering economic growth, cross-border cooperation, and combating terrorism and drug trafficking. He highlighted SCO’s potential with its members being some of the world’s largest emerging economies, poised to enhance regional cooperation, trade, and investment opportunities.

“This was evident at the recent SCO Summit in Astana, where Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif actively participated,” Ambassador Akram stated. Additionally, he mentioned that CSTO could improve East-West connectivity, fostering a more secure region.

Ambassador Akram also pointed out the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor as a flagship project, noting that Pakistan aims to expand this initiative, including to Afghanistan, to maximize its investment potential.

Pakistan believes that other regional organizations such as the African Union (AU), the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), along with cross-regional groups like the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), should work towards global integration through appropriate association agreements. He welcomed the establishment of the AU-AL-OIC Trilateral Commission.

“Such regional and inter-regional initiatives in association with the UN are crucial for fostering greater cooperation and understanding among diverse regions, contributing to global harmony and collective progress,” Ambassador Akram said.
He proposed a framework for regional integration that includes:

1. Adherence to the purposes and principles of the UN Charter.
3. Respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states.
5. Preventing dominance by one or few states in regional organizations, promoting equality, mutual respect, and equity among sovereign states.
6. Supporting less developed economies to reach their full potential, contributing to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and climate goals.
7. Ensuring equity and non-discrimination for all member states in regional cooperation.
8. Prioritizing connectivity projects and sustainable infrastructure to further integration, investment, trade, and development.
9. Enhancing digital integration and cooperation to accelerate regional cooperation and investment, establishing modern economies both regionally and globally.
   Pakistan remains committed to these objectives and looks forward to continued collaboration with the UN and all regional and cross-regional partners.