Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday spoke with French President Emmanuel Macron and King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa of Bahrain separately, during which he discussed regional peace efforts and the evolving situation in the Middle East with both the leaders, the Prime Minister’s Office said.
According to the statement, President Macron congratulated the prime minister on Pakistan’s mediation efforts that led to a ceasefire between Iran and the United States and helped bring both sides to the negotiating table. He also extended best wishes for the success of upcoming peace talks in Islamabad.
The prime minister thanked the French president for supporting Pakistan’s diplomatic initiatives and reaffirmed Islamabad’s commitment to promoting peace and stability in the region.
Both leaders expressed serious concern over the ongoing aggression in Lebanon and underscored the urgent need to end the violence and killings, so that peace could be re-established in the entire region. They agreed to remain in contact.
In a post on X, PM Shehbaz stated that he was grateful for King Hamad’s kind words and support for Pakistan’s sincere efforts in facilitating the Iran-US ceasefire, which hopefully will pave the way for lasting peace in the region.
“I expressed my deep appreciation for the exemplary restraint demonstrated by the Bahraini leadership during the recent hostilities and offered my condolences on the loss of precious lives and prayers for the swift recovery of the injured,” the premier said.
He said they both reaffirmed their commitment to continue to work closely for regional peace and stability.
Meanwhile, Shehbaz Sharif thanked his Australian counterpart, Anthony Albanese, for his endorsement of Pakistan’s sincere efforts for peace.
In a post on his X handle, the Prime Minister said we will continue to work tirelessly with our friends and partners in our shared pursuit of lasting peace in the region.
Moreover, Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday received a telephone call from Federal Chancellor of Austria, Christian Stocker.
During the conversation, the prime minister appreciated the Austrian Chancellor’s strong message of endorsement and support for Pakistan’s efforts that have led to the US-Iran ceasefire, as well as ensuring resumption of negotiations between the two sides.
The two leaders stressed upon the importance of ensuring that the ceasefire be upheld by all sides, thereby strengthening the prospects of successful negotiations that could bring lasting peace and stability to the region and beyond.
Italy has also appreciated Pakistan’s peace efforts. In a phone call with PM Shehbaz, Italian PM Giorgia Meloni felicitated him on hosting the forthcoming peace negotiations between the US and Iran, in Islamabad.
While underscoring the genuine and sincere desire of Pakistan for peace and stability in the region, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif welcomed the joint statement issued by key European and international leaders, including Prime Minister Meloni, in support of Pakistan’s peace efforts.