PM, Qatari emir stress continued dialogue after US-Iran technical talks

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on Wednesday stressed the importance of sustaining the momentum of negotiations through dialogue and diplomacy following the successful first round of technical talks between the United States and Iran in Switzerland.

The remarks came after Iran and the United States announced on June 14 that they had reached a 14-point understanding, mediated by Pakistan, aimed at ending the conflict and resolving outstanding issues through dialogue and negotiations.

“Had a warm and most cordial telephone conversation with my dear brother, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, emir of the State of Qatar, this afternoon,” the prime minister said in a post on X.

He said he thanked the Qatari emir for his steadfast support for peace efforts that culminated in the historic Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding.

“Both sides expressed satisfaction at the positive progress made during the first round of technical talks in Bürgenstock and agreed on the importance of sustaining this momentum through continued dialogue and diplomacy,” the premier wrote.

PM Shehbaz also thanked Sheikh Tamim for his condolences over the death of a Pakistani national in the recent fire incident in Ras Laffan and expressed deep appreciation to the Qatari leadership for its hospitality towards the Pakistani community residing in Qatar.

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Reiterating that Pakistan valued its close brotherly ties with Qatar, the prime minister said he looked forward to welcoming the emir to Pakistan later this year.

Separately, PM Shehbaz also held a telephonic conversation with Tabuk Province Governor Prince Fahd bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, the governor congratulated the premier on Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts that resulted in the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding between the United States and Iran.

“Pakistan’s peace efforts were aimed at ensuring regional peace and stability, with the support of brotherly countries, including Saudi Arabia,” the prime minister said while thanking the Tabuk governor for his remarks.

The statement said the prime minister, recalling the historic brotherly ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, expressed his gratitude to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for his affection for Pakistan.

According to the statement, the prime minister also invited the governor to visit Pakistan.

Read More: PM Shehbaz signs ‘Islamabad MoU’ as mediator between US and Iran

The US and Israel launched the war on Iran ⁠on February 28, assassinating the 86-year-old Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and military leaders on the first day. It quickly spiralled into a regional conflict that has killed more than 7,000 people, mostly in Iran and Lebanon; driven up energy prices; renewed inflationary pressures and sparked concerns about a ​major food supply crisis in developing countries.

However, following several rounds of talks mediated by Pakistan and supported by Qatar, the two sides reached a 14-point Memorandum of Understanding.

The memorandum, known as the Islamabad Understanding, entered into force on June 18 after being electronically signed by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and US President Donald Trump, with PM Shehbaz also signing it as a mediator.

The agreement extends a ceasefire announced in April by another 60 days, including in Lebanon, to allow the two sides to negotiate a final truce.

The agreement also includes provisions related to ending the war, including in Lebanon, reopening the Strait of Hormuz and lifting the US naval blockade imposed on Iran.