Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif commended Ireland’s recent move to recognize Palestine as an independent state during a telephone conversation with Irish counterpart Simon Harris on Friday. Expressing his congratulations on Harris’s assumption of office, Sharif highlighted the significance of Ireland’s decision in conveying hope and solidarity to Palestinians facing Israeli atrocities. He emphasized the importance of a two-state solution, aligned with UN resolutions, for lasting peace in the Middle East, reaffirming Pakistan’s steadfast support for the Palestinian cause.
Sharif also hailed the International Court of Justice’s decision to halt Israel’s assault on Gaza and Rafah, expressing hope for similar attention to the plight of Kashmiris enduring decades of oppression. Prime Minister Simon Harris underscored Ireland’s principled stance, taken in consultation with European allies, against Israel’s military actions in Gaza, aiming to promote normalization in occupied territories.
Both leaders discussed enhancing bilateral cooperation between Pakistan and Ireland, particularly in trade, investment, and people-to-people exchanges. Sharif welcomed Ireland’s decision to establish a resident mission in Pakistan, emphasizing its role in strengthening ties. He extended a warm invitation to Prime Minister Simon Harris for an official visit to Pakistan.
