FM Bilawal, UN SG Antonio discuss revival of Black Sea Grain Initiative

Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Wednesday held a telephone conversation with the United Nations Secretary-General (UNSG) Antonio Guterres

FM bilawal and UNSG Antonio shared Pakistan’s perspective on the stalling of the Black Sea Grain Initiative (BSGI) and its implications for food inflation worldwide.

The Foreign Minister praised the UN Secretary-General for the constructive role he played in the conclusion of the BSGI agreement last year and asked Secretary-General Guterres to continue his valuable engagement in reviving the Initiative through an open dialogue that considers the concerns of all parties.

The UN Secretary General's support for interreligious harmony and peaceful coexistence was welcomed by the foreign minister, who condemned the frequent instances of Holy Quran sacrilege in Europe.

He called for collective action at the UN level by formulating a comprehensive strategy and action plan to tackle the growing phenomenon of Islamophobia.

FM Bilawal and the UN Secretary-General Antonio also discussed Pakistan’s ongoing cooperation with the United Nations in the wake of last year’s devastating floods.

The Secretary-General was also informed by the Foreign Minister of a recent programme that had been started in Sindh to give land rights to flood-affected women.