PM Shehbaz, Qatar Emir discuss Pakistan-brokered US-Iran peace process

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on Wednesday discussed the ongoing U.S.-Iran peace process and agreed to maintain close coordination to support the negotiations.

According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, the Qatari Emir telephoned the prime minister and congratulated him on Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts that led to the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding between the United States and Iran.

The Emir praised Pakistan’s role in advancing peace and expressed Qatar’s full support for the initiative.

Shehbaz thanked Qatar for its consistent backing of the peace efforts and said the breakthrough had been achieved through the untiring efforts of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and the contributions of friendly countries, including Qatar.

The two leaders expressed satisfaction over the first round of technical-level talks held in Burgenstock, Switzerland, and stressed the need to sustain the positive momentum to ensure successful negotiations.

They also agreed on the importance of protecting the dialogue process from attempts to undermine it.

During the conversation, the Amir conveyed condolences over the death of a Pakistani national in a fire at the Barzan gas facility in Ras Laffan Industrial City. The prime minister appreciated the gesture and thanked the Qatari leadership for hosting more than 300,000 Pakistanis living and working in the Gulf state.

Recalling his visits to Doha earlier this year, Shehbaz renewed his invitation to the Amir to visit Pakistan.

The Qatari leader expressed willingness to undertake a visit later this year to discuss bilateral cooperation and regional developments.

Both leaders agreed to remain in close contact in the coming days, the statement added.