Salim to his Pakistani counterpart: No one negotiates on behalf of Lebanon except its state

Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Salim held a meeting with Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif in New York, on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, attended by Foreign Minister and Emigrants Affairs Minister Joseph Aoun and Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar.

Salam welcomed Pakistan's efforts to de-escalate tensions in the region and promote diplomatic solutions, commending "the role Pakistan has played in this regard over recent months." He noted that any reduction in regional tensions would naturally have a positive impact on Lebanon.

He stressed that "Lebanon does not want to be a battlefield for regional conflicts or a channel for messages, and no one can negotiate on behalf of Lebanon except the Lebanese state. He underscored the importance of continuing pressure to achieve Israel’s full withdrawal from Lebanese territory and halt its attacks, and supporting the process of establishing the Lebanese state’s authority over its entire territory through its own means.

In turn, Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif affirmed that "Lebanon and de-escalation in Lebanon are a priority for Pakistan, and that his country has consistently ensured Lebanon is included in any regional de-escalation initiative through its diplomatic outreach." He also emphasized "Pakistan’s support for Lebanon’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, and for the Lebanese government’s efforts to establish state authority across its entire territory in accordance with the constitution.