BANJUL (The Thursday Times) — Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan, Ishaq Dar, made his arrival in The Gambia on Wednesday, marking the beginning of his participation in the significant 15th Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) summit, set to take place in Banjul on the 4th and 5th of May.
Upon his arrival, a number of distinguished officials welcomed Dar, including the Gambian Minister of Petroleum and Energy, Nani Juwara; Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary, Muhammad Syrus Sajjad Qazi; and Saima Maymunah Sayed, the Pakistani Ambassador to Senegal, who is also accredited to The Gambia. This warm reception was highlighted in a statement by the Foreign Office, which also shared the news on social media platforms, noting the presence and engagements of the Deputy Prime Minister through their official handle.
In addition to his role at the OIC summit, Deputy Prime Minister Dar’s agenda is packed with other critical diplomatic engagements. He is scheduled to participate in the Council of Foreign Ministers’ meetings and will hold several bilateral meetings with leaders and foreign ministers from other member countries. These meetings are anticipated to be fruitful, fostering discussions on various bilateral and global issues.
Previously, Dar accompanied Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at the World Economic Forum (WEF) held in Riyadh, showcasing Pakistan’s active participation in global economic discussions.
At the OIC summit, Dar is expected to address several urgent issues that resonate with the interests and concerns of the Islamic nations. According to a press release from the Foreign Office, he will articulate Pakistan’s stance on multiple pressing matters such as the ongoing crisis in Gaza, the Kashmiri people’s struggle for self-determination, and the need for unity and solidarity within the Muslim community. Other significant topics he plans to delve into include the rise of Islamophobia, the challenges posed by climate change, terrorism, and other contemporary global challenges.
The Deputy Prime Minister aims to emphasise the necessity for collective action and solutions to these challenges, seeking to enhance cooperation and understanding among the Islamic countries to address these critical issues effectively.
Throughout his time at the summit, Deputy Prime Minister Dar will engage in detailed discussions and meetings on the sidelines of the event, aiming to strengthen diplomatic ties and push forward Pakistan’s foreign policy goals on the international stage.
