NEW YORK, Sept 24: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif met with Prime Minister of Lebanon Nawaf Salam on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Thursday.

During the meeting, the two leaders reviewed bilateral relations and reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening the longstanding and fraternal ties between Pakistan and Lebanon.

They also exchanged views on developments in the Middle East and the broader region.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s steadfast support for Lebanon’s sovereignty, political independence, unity and territorial integrity.

He called for an immediate cessation of hostilities, strict adherence to ceasefire arrangements, the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from occupied Lebanese territory and full implementation of relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions.

The two sides also discussed ways to further enhance bilateral cooperation, including through high-level exchanges, trade and investment, defence cooperation and institutional linkages.

The leaders reaffirmed the importance of continued coordination between Pakistan and Lebanon at the United Nations and other multilateral forums.