Pakistan’s participation in COP 27 World Leaders Summit gave it an opportunity to highlight climate changes issues: FO Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch

ISLAMABAD, Nov 17 (SABAH): The Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch on Thursday said that Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif led an official delegation to participate in COP 27 World Leaders Summit from 6-8 November 2022 in Sharm El-Sheikh accompanied by foreign minister, minster for climate change, minister for information and minister of state for foreign affairs accompanied the prime minister.

In Sharm El-Sheikh, Prime Minister Mian Shehbaz Sharif had a busy agenda, she said, and added he also co-chaired with Prime Ministers of Norway and Egypt, a High-Level Roundtable on Climate Change and Sustainability of Vulnerable Communities. He attended Middle East Green Initiative Summit chaired by Saudi Arabia and an event on Green Shield against Climate Risk for loss and damages support which was co-hosted by German Chancellor and President of Ghana, she said.

She said that during these events the Prime Minister briefed the participants on the state of flood-hit areas of Pakistan and government’s actions for rehabilitation and reconstruction. He reiterated the need for international community for solidarity and cooperation in mitigating the impact of climate change on developing countries including Pakistan. He underscored the importance of simplified long-term climate financing instruments to help developing countries in mitigating adverse effects of climate change. “The visit gave Pakistan an opportunity to highlight the climate induced flood catastrophe in Pakistan on impact of climate change particularly being faced by the developing countries,” spokesperson said.

“COP27 also provided an opportunity for the Prime Minister and the Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari to engage with world leaders, exchange views on bilateral and regional issues of mutual concern and mobilize international support and solidarity with Pakistan,” FO spokesperson said.

The Prime Minister held meetings with UN Secretary General, Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia and the German Chancellor. He met with Crown Princes of Bahrain and Kuwait, Presidents of Estonia, Tajikistan, Iraq, UAE and the European Council. Prime Ministers of Belgium, Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Lebanon and the Vice President of Indonesia as well as the Secretary General of Arab League and the Managing Director of IMF interacted with the Prime Minster.

“The Foreign Minister held meetings with his counterparts from Egypt, France and the United Kingdom. He also held meetings with Administrator of UNDP and Special Presidential Envoy of the US President on Climate. Similarly, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Minister of Climate Change held meetings with key participants,” spokesperson added.