Foreign Minister receives the Resident Representative of UNDP

Islamabad: Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mehmood Qureshi received the new Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to Pakistan, Mr. Knut Oestby, in his office Friday.

The Foreign Minister congratulated Mr. Oestby on his recent appointment and appreciated UNDP’s positive contribution towards the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by the Global South.

Underscoring that sustainable development and poverty alleviation were among the top priorities of Pakistan’s Government, the Foreign Minister highlighted the reinforced orientation towards Economic Diplomacy with a focus on socio-economic progress through enhanced trade and foreign investment. While highlighting the challenges faced by people in the underdeveloped regions of the country, the Foreign Minister called on UNDP to enhance its development work in these areas. The Foreign Minister also suggested concrete thematic areas where UNDP could exert efforts in line with the Government’s development priorities.

Mr. Oestby briefed the Foreign Minister on UNDP’s ongoing activities in the country and exchanged views on further strengthening development partnership with Pakistan. He assured the Foreign Minister of UNDP Country Office’s continued support for Pakistan’s development objectives and priorities.