Pakistan to Participate in Next Round of Iran-US Technical Talks, Foreign Office Says
Islamabad: Pakistan’s Foreign Office has announced that technical-level negotiations between Iran and the United States will resume next week, with a Pakistani delegation set to participate in the discussions.
Speaking at the weekly media briefing, the Foreign Office spokesperson said that the continuation of dialogue between the two sides is in itself a positive development. He reiterated Pakistan’s belief in diplomacy, negotiations, and dialogue as the most effective means of resolving international disputes.
The spokesperson also highlighted the recent visit of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to Pakistan at the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. During the visit, the Iranian president was accompanied by a high-level delegation that held meetings with the prime minister, the army chief, and other senior Pakistani officials.
According to the Foreign Office, discussions during the visit briefly covered bilateral trade relations and the prospects for expanding economic and commercial cooperation between Pakistan and Iran following the removal of economic sanctions on Tehran. Responding to a question about the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project, the spokesperson said he was not aware of specific details but confirmed that various bilateral matters were discussed.
The spokesperson further revealed that talks between Iran and the United States had recently taken place in Bergenstock, with Pakistan and Qatar participating as mediators. A number of issues were discussed during the negotiations, while technical teams from both Pakistan and Qatar remain engaged with the parties to facilitate further progress.
He said Pakistan welcomes the appreciation and support it has received from several countries for its role as a mediator. The spokesperson noted that international confidence in Pakistan has increased and praised the Pakistani media for its responsible and professional role in promoting trust and constructive engagement throughout the process.
Addressing regional developments, he said Pakistan joined other countries on June 18 in issuing a joint statement condemning Israeli attacks. He also disclosed that Pakistan assisted in the repatriation of 30 Iranian nationals who had been detained by British and American authorities earlier this week.
The spokesperson announced that Resolution 2223, jointly supported by Pakistan and Denmark, has been adopted with the backing of 153 countries. The resolution declares attacks on United Nations peacekeeping personnel unacceptable and calls for stronger protection of peacekeeping missions worldwide.
On the issue of Somali pirates holding a Pakistani vessel and crew hostage, the spokesperson said the matter remains a priority for the government. A technical team from Pakistan’s embassy recently visited Djibouti, while the government has also convened an inter-ministerial meeting to coordinate efforts.
He added that Pakistan is maintaining contact with local NGOs, including those associated with human rights activist Ansar Burney, as well as other organizations, to continue efforts aimed at securing the safe release of the detained Pakistani crew members.
