Daily Times

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Monday said that it was a must to form a coalition of all the countries to deal with the disastrous impacts of climate change as the world had done to overcome the scourge of terrorism. The prime minister, in a meeting with the President of the European Council Charles Michel on the sidelines COP27 summit here, thanked the EU president for extending cooperation for Pakistan’s exclusion from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF)’s grey list.

Charles Michel expressed grief over the loss of life caused by the floods across Pakistan and also appreciated the EU’s support for the relief of flood-stricken people. The prime minister said that Pakistan desired multifaceted cooperation with the European Union as the bilateral partnership had been a key source to serving the common interests. He said Pakistan looked forward to further enhancing mutual trust and cooperation between Pakistan and the European Union. He also appreciated the EU’s efforts to deal with the impacts of climate change.

Both the leaders also agreed to keep up close coordination on matters of mutual interest. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Monday said that the international community must come together to create a common charter for the survival of the planet. The prime minister, in a meeting with the President of the United Arab Emirates Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on the sidelines of the COP 27 Summit here, welcomed the commitment of the international community, especially the Islamic world, to the goals and objectives of the COP 27 conference.

The prime minister thanked the UAE leadership and people for their generous assistance to the flood victims in Pakistan. He termed the commitment of COP 27 as a good omen to combat the effects of climate change. Dealing with the effects of climate change was not for developing countries alone, he added. During the interaction, the two leaders agreed to work together for common goals of mutual interest. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday said that Pakistan and the European Union were important partners in achieving common goals.

He met with European Union Commissioner Ursula von der Leyen on the sidelines of COP 27. The prime minister appreciated the spirit of the European Union countries to help the flood victims in Pakistan, PM Office Media Wing said in a press release.

The prime minister further said that effects of climate change that developing countries were facing today, the whole world would have to suffer tomorrow. Unity was essential to combat the effects of climate change, he stressed. The prime minister also appreciated the cooperation of the European countries in removing the name of Pakistan from FATF’s grey list. He said that there was a lot of scope for increasing bilateral trade between the EU and Pakistan. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the Secretary-General of the Arab League met here on the sidelines of COP-27 High-Level Segments and agreed on strong cooperation to prevent the devastating effects of climate change. The prime Minister and the Secretary-General of the Arab League also discussed issues of bilateral and mutual interest, the PM Office said.

Shehbaz Sharif appreciated the Arab League Charter and Secretary General’s determination to achieve its goals.