Pakistan has called on the United States to fully implement the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding in order to help reduce tensions in the Middle East and resolve regional disputes through peaceful means.
Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar made the appeal during a meeting with US Charge d’Affaires Natalie A. Baker in Islamabad. According to Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry, Dar emphasized that implementing the MoU completely was the best way to address regional problems through dialogue and diplomacy. He also reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to promoting peace and security in the region.
During the meeting, Dar and Baker discussed Pakistan-US relations as well as recent developments across the region. Baker recognized Pakistan’s constructive contribution to regional peace and stability and also conveyed greetings on Pakistan’s Independence Day.
Dar separately met British High Commissioner Jane Marriott to discuss bilateral relations, high-level diplomatic contacts and important regional and international developments. He again stressed the importance of implementing the MoU and maintained that dialogue and diplomacy were the most effective ways to settle unresolved disputes.
The United States and Iran reached a Pakistan-mediated ceasefire agreement in April before signing a memorandum of understanding on June 17. The agreement was intended to begin negotiations toward a broader and lasting settlement.
However, subsequent negotiations faced difficulties because of disagreements over security guarantees and navigation rights in the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial international route for energy transportation and global trade.
Tensions later escalated into military exchanges between Washington and Tehran from July 8 to July 24. The US carried out strikes against targets in Iran, while Iran responded with attacks on what it described as American military facilities and equipment in several Arab states, including Jordan, Bahrain and Kuwait.
NEWS DESK
PRESS UPDATE