Bilawal, Guterres discuss Black Sea grain deal revival

Condemns recurring incidents of Islamophobia in Europe

ISLAMABAD:

Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Wednesday held a telephone conversation with United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to share Pakistan's perspective on the stalling of the Black Sea Grain Initiative (BSGI) and its implications for food inflation worldwide.

Lauding the positive role played by the UN secretary-general in finalisation of the BSGI agreement last year, the foreign minister requested Guterres to continue his valuable engagement for reviving the initiative through a constructive dialogue that addresses the concerns of all parties.

Condemning the recurring incidents of desecration of the Holy Quran in Europe, the foreign minister appreciated the UN secretary-general's advocacy for inter-religious harmony and peaceful co-existence.

He called for collective action at the UN level by formulating a comprehensive strategy and action plan to tackle the growing phenomenon of Islamophobia. The foreign minister and the UN secretary-general also discussed Pakistan's ongoing cooperation with the United Nations in the wake of last year's devastating floods.

The foreign minister also apprised the secretary-general of the recent project launched in Sindh to provide land titles to women beneficiaries affected by floods.