The international community on Saturday welcomed the decision by Pakistan and India to enforce a "full and immediate ceasefire" following days of deadly jet fighter, missile, drone, and artillery strikes.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed the ceasefire announcement, calling it a "positive step that should lead to peace," his spokesperson Stephane Dujarri quoted him as saying.
Guterres "hopes the agreement will contribute to lasting peace and foster an environment conducive to addressing broader, longstanding issues between the two countries", the spokesperson said in a statement.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar received a flurry of calls from friendly capitals, as well as from those that had taken diplomatic initiatives to help defuse the conflict.
Dar spoke with the Foreign Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Prince Faisal bin Farhan and apprised him of the current regional situation following the Indian attacks last night and Pakistan's subsequent response.
The Saudi foreign minister expressed condolences over the loss of innocent lives and appreciated Pakistan's measured and restrained response. Both leaders agreed to maintain close contact, according to a news release issued by the DPM's Office.
Dar also received a call from Saudi Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Adel Al-Jubeir, who welcomed the ceasefire understanding between Pakistan and India. The deputy prime minister appreciated Saudi Arabia's positive and constructive role in promoting peace and security in South Asia.
In a separate call with his UAE counterpart, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Dar lauded the United Arab Emirates' diplomatic efforts to promote peace and stability in the region.
Sheikh Abdullah also welcomed the ceasefire understanding, the Foreign Office spokesperson said in a press release.
Dar also briefed Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on the evolving regional situation in the wake of Indian aggression and Pakistan's calibrated response.
During their conversation, Wang Yi acknowledged Pakistan's restraint and appreciated its responsible approach under challenging circumstances, according to the Foreign Office spokesperson.
He reaffirmed that China, as Pakistan's all-weather strategic cooperative partner and ironclad friend, would continue to stand firmly by it in upholding its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national independence.
Both leaders stressed the importance of close communication and agreed to maintain ongoing coordination in the days ahead.
Dar also held a call with Turkiye's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, apprising him of the situation following last night's Indian aggression and Pakistan's response. The Turkish foreign minister lauded Pakistan's measured and restrained approach, and both sides agreed to maintain close contact, the DPM's Office said in a statement.
On Saturday, Dar received a phone call from Egypt's Foreign Minister Dr Badr Abdelatty, who welcomed the ceasefire understanding between Pakistan and India.
Separately, the deputy prime minister and foreign minister spoke with Greece's Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis, who also welcomed the ceasefire. Dar reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to peace and security in the region and beyond.
Both sides agreed to remain in close contact and work together in multilateral fora as non-permanent members of the United Nations Security Council.
Dar also spoke with European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the Commission Kaja Kallas, who welcomed the ceasefire understanding between Pakistan and India.
"The DPM/FM reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to fostering peace, stability, and dialogue in the region," the press release added.
COMMENTS
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ