Agadir – Pakistan has brought together foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and Egypt for a high-level dialogue to de-escalate the current war in the Middle East.
Pakistan’s Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar is hosting the two‑day diplomatic engagement, scheduled Sunday through Monday. Foreign ministers and senior officials will meet in Islamabad’s government district.
According to the Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the meetings are “bilateral consultations on regional developments and matters of mutual interest.”
Concerning the Saudi Arabia visit, the ministry said that “the two dignitaries held in-depth discussions on evolving regional developments, emphasizing the importance of dialogue, de-escalation, and coordinated efforts for peace and stability in the region, while reaffirming their commitment to further strengthening Pakistan-Saudi Arabia ties.”
Pakistan has taken on a mediating role between Iran and the US, suggesting Islamabad as a venue for possible negotiations between the two countries.
These meetings follow Ishaq Dar’s phone conversation with Foreign Minister of Iran, Abbas Araghchi.
The Pakistani diplomat said he stressed to his counterpart “the need for de-escalation, stressing that dialogue and diplomacy remain the only viable path for lasting peace.” He added that “Pakistan remains committed to supporting all efforts aimed at restoring regional peace and stability.”
The war has been ongoing since US-Israeli joint strikes on Iran February 28 and Tehran’s subsequent retaliation throughout the Gulf.
The now nearly-blocked Strait of Hormuz has become a critical point of leverage, resulting in severe disruptions and fluctuations in global and regional oil markets.
Despite pressure from various parties for a ceasefire and talks, no side has achieved a breakthrough. Iran is reportedly not accepting the 15-point US plan for peace, and talks between Iran and the US have yet to be scheduled.
