FM Qureshi calls for making UNSC more transparent, accountable

Reform of the UNSC must be decided by consensus and should enhance representation of all UN member states, says FM

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Friday called for making the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) more representative, democratic, transparent, effective and accountable to address the multiple challenges facing the world.

The foreign minister expressed this resolve while speaking at the ministerial meeting of the Uniting for Consensus Group on UNSC reform on the sidelines of the General Assembly’s 76th Session in New York.

"The reform of the Security Council must be decided by consensus and should enhance the representation of all UN member states," he emphasised.

FM Qureshi further said only an acceptable formula with an increase in the non-permanent members and rotation through democratic elections can provide more equitable representation for all states on the Security Council.

"Attempts by some states to create new centres of privilege could derail the reform process and exacerbate divisions," he added.

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Qureshi urged that member states must be allowed the necessary time and space to evolve a solution acceptable to the entire UN membership.

"UfC’s principled position offered the only practical solution to the reform of the Security Council," he remarked.

Meeting with Japanese counterpart

Talking to the Foreign Minister of Japan Motegi Toshimitsu, FM Qureshi underscored that Pakistan attached great importance to its political and economic relationship with Japan.

PHOTO: RP

"Pakistan views Japan as a trusted development partner and called for exploring further avenues to deepen the bilateral relationship between the two countries in all spheres," the foreign minister stressed.

Regarding the situation in Afghanistan, Qureshi emphasised that the establishment of sustainable peace and stability in the country was of paramount importance for the region and required active engagement on the part of the international community.

The two diplomats also exchanged views on bilateral relations between Pakistan and Japan as well as on other issues of mutual interest including the situation in Afghanistan.