Pakistan has reiterated its strong support for peace, stability and sustainable development in West Africa and the Sahel.

This was stated by Pakistan's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad while speaking at the UN Security Council briefing on the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) in New York.

Ambassador Asim Iftikhar emphasized the importance of national ownership, regional cooperation and sustained international engagement as necessary conditions to address the region's complex political, security, humanitarian and development challenges.

He commended the continued efforts of UNOWAS in promoting preventive diplomacy, inclusive political dialogue and regional cooperation. He also welcomed the forthcoming independent strategic review of the Office.

Ambassador Asim Iftikhar reaffirmed Pakistan's unwavering commitment to the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the countries of the region, as well as the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of states.

He underscored Pakistan's longstanding partnership with Africa, noting the distinguished service of Pakistani peacekeepers in advancing United Nations peacekeeping and peacebuilding efforts across the continent.

Expressing deep concern over the persistent terrorist threat in West Africa and the Sahel, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar called for strengthened regional and international cooperation to combat terrorism and violent extremism through comprehensive strategies that combine effective security measures with efforts to address their root causes.