Guterres arrives in Pakistan for Iran conflict talks

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres left New York for Islamabad Sunday night for a four-day trip during which he will discuss Pakistan's mediatory role in the US conflict with Iran as well as its "constructive role" in supporting negotiations between the two countries, among other matters. During the visit --at the invitation of the Government of Pakistan -- the UN chief will meet with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar as well as senior government officials. He will also meet with President Asif Ali Zardari. "Over the years, the Secretary-General has seen firsthand how Pakistan has stood by others, having its own people serve under the United Nations flag, and using its diplomacy and mediation to bring parties together when dialogue is most needed," UN Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric told APP while discussing the UN leader's visit to Pakistan. "This spirit is something we have seen time and again over the years, and it is one of Pakistan's greatest contributions to our shared world," he added. The secretary-general has consistently praised Pakistan's intense diplomatic efforts in the Middle East conflict, which led to the Memorandum of Understanding that established a ceasefire.