The Secretary-General met today with H.E. Mr. Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. 

They discussed matters concerning Pakistan’s regional relations, including developments in neighbouring Afghanistan. They addressed issues related to sustainable development, disaster risk response and Pakistan’s contributions to United Nations peacekeeping efforts.  The Secretary-General congratulated the Prime Minister on his government’s recent decision to substantially increase spending in the education and health sectors.

The Secretary-General expressed his condolences to the Prime Minister for the loss of lives caused by the recent earthquake in Balochistan province.  The Secretary-General and the Prime Minister also discussed the situation in Syria and expressed optimism at recent diplomatic moves towards holding the international conference on Syria.