Pakistan steps up efforts to de-escalate Middle East tensions

FM Qureshi calls Russian, Iraqi counterparts as well as meets Iranian envoy

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Friday stepped up its efforts to de-escalate tensions in the region as the foreign minister discussed the dire situation between the US and Iran with his counterparts from Russia and Iraq as well as held a meeting with the Iranian ambassador.

In a telephonic conversation, Shah Mehmood Qureshi and his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov agreed to launch joint efforts aimed at restoring peace in the region.

Tensions escalated in the region after the assassination of Iranian Major General Qassem Suleimani in a US drone strike at Baghdad airport and Iran’s attack on US bases in Iraq in retaliation.

Qureshi and Lavrov discussed issues pertaining to soaring tensions in the Middle East and the overall situation in the region.

The foreign minister informed his Russian counterpart that an increase in tensions among the states could deal a severe blow to peace and stability in the region.

He said, “Both sides have to show restraint in order to overcome the current escalated situation.”



Qureshi, while reiterating Pakistan's principled stance, made it clear that Pakistan would neither be a party to any new conflict in the region, nor would its land be used against any regional or neighbouring country.

The foreign minister also contacted his Iraqi counterpart Mohammed Ali Al-Hakim over the phone and said, “The region cannot bear the consequences of another conflict.”

Qureshi apprised his Iraqi counterpart that acting upon the instructions of Prime Minister Imran Khan, he had also contacted foreign ministers of Turkey, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Russia.

The foreign minister further informed Hakim that he would soon be making official trips to Iran and the US to defuse tensions between the states.



To further Pakistan’s effort in de-escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran, FM Qureshi is likely to be travelling to three countries next week.

According to sources privy to the development, he will be visiting Iran on Sunday and then will leave for Saudi Arabia on January 13. He will also be travelling to Washington later in the coming week.

During a meeting with the newly appointed Iranian ambassador to Pakistan, Syed Muhammad Ali Hussaini, Qureshi said, “Growing tensions did not benefit anyone in the region.”

He reaffirmed Pakistan’s firm resolve to play a positive role in reducing tensions in the region.

Iranian ambassador thanked the foreign minister and assured that he would use all his efforts to further expand the bilateral relations between the two countries.

(With additional input from agencies)