Pakistan Advocates for Enhanced Regional Integration Through Adherence to UN Principles

Pakistan has emphasized that the world can fully harness the potential of regional organizations by adhering to the principles of the UN Charter. It highlighted that regional and inter-regional initiatives, in collaboration with the UN, are crucial for fostering greater cooperation and understanding in the realms of peace, security, and economic development.

Speaking during the UN Security Council debate on cooperation between the UN and regional and sub-regional organizations, Ambassador Munir Akram, the Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the UN, said that while we strive for collective progress of all nations, the quest for regional hegemony by one large state has undermined the potential of SAARC.

Referring to the Belt and Road Initiative, Ambassador Munir Akram said that BRI offers a vital avenue for enhancing integration within the SCO and CSTO and beyond. He said the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship BRI project, embodies objectives of regional cooperation, development, and global connectivity.

He said Pakistan is committed to accelerating and expanding CPEC, including extending its benefits to Afghanistan, thus contributing to regional peace and security.

“The implementation of connectivity projects between the Central Asia through Afghanistan will contribute immensely to fostering peace and security within Afghanistan and the region,” he maintained

The Pakistan UN envoy said that Pakistan advocates for regional organizations such as the African Union (AU), Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), and Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to expand global integration through appropriate association agreements.

Welcoming the establishment of the AU-AL-OIC Trilateral Commission, he said that the establishment of the Commission is in accord with Pakistan’s commitment to fostering closer ties among regional and cross-regional entities.

Ambassador Akram said Pakistan stresses that regional integration must be pursued within the framework of the UN Charter, international law, and agreements, and made the following recommendations in this regard:

• Adherence to the purposes and principles of the UN Charter.

• Respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states.

• Prevention of dominance by one or a few states within regional organizations.

• Support for less developed economies to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and climate goals.

• Equity and non-discrimination for all member states.

• Priority to connectivity projects and sustainable infrastructure development.

• Enhanced digital integration and cooperation to establish modern, integrated economies.

Highlighting the potential of the SCO, Ambassador Akram said that the Organization holds immense promise for integrated regional cooperation, especially in enhancing trade and investment opportunities. He said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's active participation in the recent SCO Summit in Astana underscores Pakistan's commitment to this vision.

He further said the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) has significant potential to enhance regional and inter-regional cooperation, fostering a more interconnected and secure Eurasia.

Recognizing regional integration as the next phase of institutional development in international relations, particularly in trade and industry, Ambassador Munir Akram called for a collective vision that benefits all member states within the framework of the UN Charter.