Mideast crisis: Shehbaz exchanges views with Macron, Bahraini king on peace efforts

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday exchanged views with French President Emmanuel Macron and King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa of Bahrain on the evolving situation in the Middle East.

In separate phone calls with both the leaders, PM Shehbaz discussed regional peace efforts by Islamabad as well.

According to a statement by the Prime Minister’s Office, President Macron congratulated the prime minister on Pakistan’s mediation efforts that led to a ceasefire between Iran and the United States and helped bring both sides to the negotiating table. He also extended best wishes for the success of upcoming peace talks in Islamabad.

The premier thanked the French president for supporting Pakistan’s diplomatic initiatives and reaffirmed Islamabad’s commitment to promoting peace and stability in the region.

Both leaders expressed serious concern over the ongoing aggression in Lebanon and underscored the urgent need to end the violence and killings, so that peace could be re-established in the entire region. They agreed to remain in contact.

In a post on X, PM Shehbaz stated that he was grateful for King Hamad’s kind words and support for Pakistan’s sincere efforts in facilitating the Iran-US ceasefire, which hopefully will pave the way for lasting peace in the region.

“I expressed my deep appreciation for the exemplary restraint demonstrated by the Bahraini leadership during the recent hostilities and offered my condolences on the loss of precious lives and prayers for the swift recovery of the injured,” the premier said.

He said they both reaffirmed their commitment to continue to work closely for regional peace and stability.

Earlier, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia expressed deep concern over ceasefire violations by Israel in Lebanon.

The concern was expressed during telephonic conversation between Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Thursday.

The two dignitaries stressed the urgent need for full respect and implementation of the ceasefire to ensure lasting peace & stability.

DPM Dar appreciated Saudi Arabia’s continued support for Pakistan’s efforts toward achieving lasting peace. Both leaders agreed to remain in close contact.

Separately, DPM Dar spoke with EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs (EU HR/VP) Kaja Kallas as well on Thursday.

Both sides expressed concern over serious violations of the ceasefire in Lebanon and emphasised the importance of its full implementation of the temporary ceasefire in the Middle East, the FO said.

EU HR/VP reaffirmed EU’s support for Pakistan in its efforts to promote peace and stability.

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Foreign Office has also condemned the ongoing Israeli aggression against Lebanon, resulting in the loss of innocent lives and the widespread destruction of infrastructure.

In a statement, Foreign Office Spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said Israeli actions undermine international efforts to establish peace and stability in the region and constitute a blatant violation of international law and fundamental humanitarian principles.