Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called Pakistani President Arif Alvi, ahead of UN General Assembly vote on Ukraine, and sought Pakistan’s support for ending war in Ukraine.The two leaders also discussed multiple other issues including energy and food security.
The United Nation General Assembly gathered in New York and initiated a resolution calling for a lasting peace in the region. Ukraine opened the debate followed by Belarus and Russia. All the major powers including, the US and Ukraine, are hoping for greater support for resolution from other UN members. Pakistan has so far abstained from voting in this case, like India did.
This resolution is supported by some 60 countries, which requires to reach, as soon as possible, a comprehensive and lasting peace in Ukraine, which will be according to the principles of UN charter. It reaffirms the UN’s commitment to the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of Ukraine and calls for an immediate halt to casualities.
This draft, unlike a Security Council resolution is not binding but demands Russia to immediately, completely and unconditionally withdraw all its military forces from the territory of Ukraine. President Zelensky, referring to his ten-point peace formula, sought Pakistan’s support, which is tabled in the United Nations General Assembly, for ending the Ukraine-Russia conflict. If this crisis is given legitimate response, then, Ukraine is ready to continue being a guarantor of world food security.
From Mr Alvi’s office, it was told that the two leaders discussed about the political and economic ties, including the energy and food security issues, in the wake of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Both sides emphasised on the need for enhancing these bilateral relations for the mutual benefit of the two countries.
President Alvi informed the Ukrainian leader that Pakistan remains deeply concerned regarding the conflict and supports a peaceful solution in accordance with the UN Charter. The Pakistani government is still evaluating the contents of the draft resolution, he said.
President Zelensky also invited his Pakistani counterpart to visit Ukraine. According to a Ukrainian statement, Mr Zelensky’s call followed Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba’s meeting with his Pakistani counterpart Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari in Munich where Kyiv formally asked Islamabad to back its peace formula.
