Dar, Qatari minister discuss evolving regional situation, stress dialogue amid US-Iran tensions
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar (L), Qatari Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Mohammad bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi (R)
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar discussed the regional situation with Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Mohammad bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi during a telephone conversation on Monday, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).
Both leaders discussed the “evolving regional situation and matters of mutual interest,” MOFA said, adding that they "underscored the importance of dialogue and diplomatic engagement in addressing regional challenges.”
Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 today spoke with Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of Qatar, Mohammad bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi @Dr_Al_Khulaifi.
They discussed the evolving regional situation and matters of mutual interest. Both sides… pic.twitter.com/73RNy9OQpgAccording to MOFA, the Qatari minister appreciated Pakistan’s “constructive role and ongoing diplomatic efforts" while Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to “advancing the shared objectives of peace, stability, and prosperity in the region and beyond.”
The call came amid ongoing communications between Pakistan and Qatar amid the United States-Israeli war against Iran.
Yesterday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif spoke with Qatar's Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, thanking the Qatari leadership for its support for Pakistan's mediation and de-escalation amid ongoing regional tensions.
This was the second telephone conversation between the two leaders within a week. On May 10, PM Shehbaz spoke to the Qatari PM, exchanging views on the evolving regional situation and reaffirming support for peace in the region.
Read: US outlines 5 conditions for Iran deal: report
Earlier, on May 7, the two leaders had a "productive exchange of views" on the regional situation in a call. PM Shehbaz and Abdulrahman once again reaffirmed their commitment to facilitating the ongoing peace efforts in order to ensure lasting peace between the US and Iran.
On February 28, the US and Israel launched a joint offensive against Iran. Tehran retaliated with strikes on Israel and other Gulf countries hosting US assets.
Pakistan subsequently positioned itself as a key mediator for peace, brokering a two-week ceasefire and hosting the highest-level US-Iran talks since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Although the "Islamabad Talks" ended without agreement, the ceasefire was held and later extended upon Islamabad's request.
The US and Iran are expected to hold a second and final round of talks in Islamabad however there has been no official confirmation from any side regarding this. Despite no conformation, Pakistan has expressed optimism that a peace agreement between the US and Iran would be struck "soon."