ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman have stressed the need for stability and continuity of diplomatic efforts in the region following the recent peace agreement between Iran and the United States, and agreed that the next phase of the talks should be carried forward with dialogue, diplomacy and constant vigilance against anti-peace efforts.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the two leaders held a telephonic conversation in which they discussed in detail the situation in the Middle East, the historic agreement between Iran and the United States, and the bilateral relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif thanked the Saudi Crown Prince for his continued support for Pakistan’s peace efforts and congratulated him on the signing of the “Islamabad Peace Agreement”. The Prime Minister said that Saudi Arabia’s leadership and its consistent role for peace and stability in the region provided an important guidance during the crisis.
According to the statement, the Prime Minister expressed satisfaction over the strong relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia and reiterated his commitment to further expand economic cooperation. The two countries also discussed ways to further strengthen existing cooperation in energy, investment, trade and defense.
Under the agreement, the US and Iran have agreed to a 60-day negotiating framework to end the war, reopen the Strait of Hormuz and resolve key disputes. The agreement, which was signed electronically, entered into force two days ahead of schedule.
Although further talks between the US, Iran, Qatar and Pakistan were scheduled to take place in Switzerland on Friday, they have been postponed. According to Swiss officials, preparations for the talks are underway and a new date will be announced later.
Analysts say the recent peace agreement could not only help reduce tensions in the Middle East but also have a positive impact on global energy markets and international trade. Pakistan’s mediation is being seen as a diplomatic success in the region.
