Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday received a telephone call from the Prime Minister of New Zealand, Rt Hon Christopher Luxon during which the two leaders exchanged views on the evolving situation in the Middle East.
During the ‘warm and cordial conversation’, the prime minister briefed PM Luxon on Pakistan’s ongoing diplomatic outreach and efforts, to promote peace and de-escalation in the region, a press release issued by the PM House said.
Prime Minister Luxon expressed deep appreciation for Pakistan’s constructive diplomatic initiatives, including its outreach to both Washington and Tehran, and conveyed his best wishes for the success of the mediation efforts.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif thanked Prime Minister Luxon for his support and reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to advancing peace, dialogue, and stability in the region and beyond.
The two leaders also agreed to work together to strengthen Pakistan-New Zealand bilateral relations, while expressing their satisfaction at the cordial and friendly ties between the two countries. In this regard, the two prime ministers lauded the role of the Pakistani diaspora in New Zealand.
At the end of the conversation, the prime minister extended a warm and cordial invitation to the pime minister of New Zealand to undertake an official visit to Pakistan, at his earliest convenience. Both leaders also agreed to remain in close contact in the days ahead.
Meanwhile in his post on X, PM Shehbaz Sharif said the conversation was focused on Pakistan’s ongoing diplomatic outreach to promote peace and de-escalation in the Middle East.
Earlier, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that discussion held with Pakistani officials were very successful and Pakistan is playing an important mediating role in the talks with United States.
As per media reports Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, in the Russian city of St. Petersburg and speaking to Iranian media, said that Pakistan is currently serving as a key mediator in the ongoing negotiations between Iran and the United States.
Araghchi said that the first round of talks had seen considerable progress, but due to excessive demands and inappropriate behaviour from the United States, the discussions could not reach a final outcome.
He said that unnecessary demands from the United States remain a major obstacle to progress in the negotiations, and Iran remains fully committed to protecting its principled stance and national interests.
The Iranian foreign minister stated that his recent visits to Pakistan and Oman aimed to consult on bilateral relations as well as regional developments. He added that talks with Pakistani officials were highly successful, during which past diplomatic efforts were reviewed and useful discussions were held on shaping future strategies.
Also Read: “Want to give a second chance to Iran”, President Trump
