ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Tuesday intensified diplomatic efforts to support peace in the Middle East. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif exchanged views with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev on regional developments, while Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar discussed ceasefire efforts and Iran-US dialogue with his Chinese and Austrian counterparts.

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif early today spoke with the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, where the two exchanged views on regional developments and the ongoing peace efforts in the Middle East.

In a statement on his X, PM Sharif stated that during the cordial exchange, they reaffirmed the deep fraternal bonds between Pakistan and Azerbaijan and their shared commitment to further strengthening cooperation in trade, investment, energy, and people-to-people ties.

“I conveyed my best wishes for the successful convening of the World Urban Forum in Baku next week and expressed confidence that, under President Aliyev’s leadership, the Forum will make a meaningful contribution to advancing the global urban development agenda,” said the statement.

PM Sharif also assured him that Pakistan would be “well-represented” at the forum, as per the statement.

He also deeply appreciated President Aliyev’s words regarding Pakistan’s sincere efforts to advance peace, dialogue, and diplomacy in the region, it added.

Appreciation and support
According to a statement from the Foreign Office, FM Dar spoke with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi, where the two leaders exchanged in-depth views on recent regional developments and Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to facilitate engagement between Iran and the United States, which, as per the statement, are aimed at promoting sustained peace and stability in the region and beyond.

The Chinese foreign minister reiterated “appreciation and support” for Pakistan’s constructive mediation role, according to the statement.

The two sides agreed to maintain close communication on all matters of mutual interest, the statement said.

“Both sides underscored the importance of continuing a durable ceasefire and ensuring normal passage through the Strait of Hormuz,” added the statement.

Both sides also discussed planned high-level exchanges, activities to mark the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China, and broader bilateral and multilateral cooperation.

Pakistan’s constructive role

Earlier today, FM Dar also spoke with Austrian counterpart Beate Meinl-Reisinger, who appreciated Pakistan’s constructive role in promoting dialogue and mediating between Iran and the United States, according to the Foreign Office statement.

FM Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to sustained diplomatic engagement, including continued efforts to facilitate dialogue between the two, to maintain peace and stability in the region and beyond.

Both foreign ministers agreed to remain in close contact, the statement added.

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Pakistan steps up diplomacy with China, Austria, Azerbaijan on Middle East