Islamabad, Mar 30 (EFE). – Pakistan announced on Sunday that it will likely host talks between the United States and Iran in the “coming days” to seek an end to the war.
The initiative was supported by Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Egypt during a four-way summit in Islamabad.
At the conclusion of the first consultation meeting of the bloc, Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar confirmed that both Washington and Tehran expressed their “confidence” in Islamabad’s ability to facilitate a dialogue that would halt the military escalation that began on Feb 28.
”Pakistan is greatly pleased that both Iran and the United States have expressed their confidence in the country to facilitate their talks. It will be an honor for Pakistan to host and facilitate, in the coming days, substantive talks between both parties with a view to achieving a comprehensive and lasting solution to the ongoing conflict,” Dar stated in a televised appearance.
The foreign minister emphasized that his government has maintained active communication with US leadership as part of its de-escalation efforts.
During the meeting in the Pakistani capital, Dar briefed his counterparts from Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Egypt on the prospects for this direct dialogue on Pakistani soil.
According to the minister, the visiting foreign ministers expressed their “fullest support” for the initiative.
The group members agreed that the prolongation of the conflict is “extremely unfortunate” due to its devastating impact on the region and called for the “unity of the Muslim Ummah (community)” in these times of crisis.
”We agreed that this war benefits no one and will only lead to death and destruction,” Dar noted.
The bloc’s goal is now to create the necessary conditions for “structured negotiations between the relevant parties.”
The four countries advocated for diplomacy as the only viable path and demanded respect for the principles of the UN Charter, including the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states.
The announcement that Pakistan will host the talks comes after intense diplomatic activity, including Iran’s authorization for Pakistani ships to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, a “confidence-building” gesture that has paved the way for the meeting with the U.S. delegation.
”Pakistan will need the prayers and support of the entire international community for the success of its efforts to achieve peace,” Dar concluded. EFE
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