Ishaq Dar discusses regional developments, bilateral ties with UK, US envoys

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar on Friday held separate meetings with the British and US envoys, discussing bilateral cooperation and recent regional and international developments.

Dar met UK High Commissioner to Pakistan Jane Marriott, with the two sides discussing key areas of mutual interest and ways to further strengthen Pakistan-UK relations, according to the Foreign Office.

The deputy prime minister welcomed the positive momentum in bilateral ties and recalled his recent meeting with UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband on the sidelines of the ASEAN Regional Forum in Manila, stressing the importance of sustained high-level contacts.

Regional and international developments also came under discussion. Dar stressed that the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) should be implemented by all parties “in letter and spirit” and reiterated that dialogue and diplomacy remained the only way forward to address outstanding issues.

Marriott conveyed warm wishes to Dar on Pakistan’s Independence Day.

Separately, US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie A. Baker called on Dar, with discussions focusing on Pakistan-US bilateral cooperation and recent regional developments.

Dar appreciated the positive trajectory in Pakistan-US relations and underscored the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in achieving lasting peace.

He reiterated Pakistan’s position that implementation of the Islamabad MoU of June 18 “in letter and spirit” was the only way forward, while reaffirming Islamabad’s commitment to regional peace and security alongside safeguarding its national interests.

The US chargé appreciated Pakistan’s constructive role in promoting regional peace and stability and conveyed Independence Day greetings to the deputy prime minister and foreign minister.