Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif Monday chaired a meeting with Pakistan’s ambassadors to Iran and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries at the Prime Minister’s Office.
Deputy Prime Minister & Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad lshaq Dar, Ahad Khan Cheema, Minister EAD, Dr Syed Tauqir Shah, Advisor to the PM, SAPM Syed Tariq Fatemi and Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch were also present.
During the meeting, the ambassadors briefed the Prime Minister on the current state of bilateral relations, emerging opportunities and challenges in their respective countries. Issues relating to the strengthening economic diplomacy, enhancing trade and investment ties, remittances, and Pakistani diaspora, were discussed.
The Prime Minister emphasized the historic, economic and strategic importance of the GCC countries and Iran in Pakistan’s foreign policy. He directed the ambassadors to work proactively on enhancing bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, energy, people-to-people contacts etc.
The meeting also included discussions on the regional and international situation, with particular focus on promoting peace, stability, and economic cooperation in the broader region.
Separately, Shehbaz Sharif on Monday held a telephone conversation with Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Qatar Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, during which the two leaders discussed bilateral cooperation and the evolving situation in the Middle East.
According to an official statement, the conversation focused particularly on ongoing peace efforts led by Pakistan amid rising regional tensions.
Prime Minister Shehbaz expressed appreciation for Qatar’s support to Pakistan’s peace initiative and reiterated Islamabad’s commitment to resolving conflicts through dialogue and diplomacy.
Both leaders emphasised the need for sustained international efforts to preserve the ceasefire, avoid further escalation, and restore stability in the region, the statement said. The prime minister also conveyed warm regards for Amir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
Dar, Saudi envoy discuss ME tensions
Meanwhile, Saudi Ambassador Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki met Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar on Monday to discuss regional developments and bilateral cooperation, the Pakistani foreign office said, as tensions persist between Washington and Tehran despite Islamabad’s mediation efforts.
During the meeting, Dar, who is also Pakistan’s foreign minister, reaffirmed Islamabad’s “strong commitment” to further strengthening cooperation across all areas with the Kingdom, the foreign office said in a statement.
“Views were exchanged on recent regional developments and other matters of mutual interest,” the statement said. “The Saudi Ambassador appreciated Pakistan’s role in promoting regional peace and stability.”
Moreover, Dar on Monday spoke with Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of Qatar Mohammad bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi.
During the telephonic conversation, they discussed the evolving regional situation and matters of mutual interest.
Both sides underscored the importance of dialogue and diplomatic engagement in addressing regional challenges.
Minister Al-Khulaifi appreciated Pakistan’s constructive role and ongoing diplomatic efforts.
Deputy Prime Minister Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to advancing the shared objectives of peace, stability, and prosperity in the region and beyond.