ZURICH/BÜRGENSTOCK: US Vice President JD Vance has praised Pakistan’s role in facilitating peace efforts between Washington and Tehran, expressing appreciation for Islamabad’s contribution to diplomatic progress.
Speaking to Field Marshal Asim Munir and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on the sidelines of technical-level talks between the US and Iran at Bürgenstock, Switzerland, Vance said that President Donald Trump and members of his administration loved Pakistan.
Vance said, “We love Pakistan, and I’m grateful for the efforts Pakistan has made,” according to officials present at the talks.
The meeting was held on the sidelines of ongoing diplomatic consultations aimed at supporting the US-Iran peace framework.
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The meeting was also attended by US envoy Steve Witkoff and former US presidential adviser Jared Kushner, underscoring Washington’s high-level engagement in the process.
The meeting took place alongside ongoing technical-level negotiations between the United States and Iran in the Swiss resort town.
Responding to a journalist’s question, Vance gave a brief but significant reply, saying that the United States holds Pakistan in high regard.
The meeting took place in a cordial atmosphere, with both sides exchanging pleasantries and expressing goodwill.
The interaction reflected the ongoing diplomatic engagement between Pakistan and the United States, with senior representatives from both countries present during the informal exchange.
The statement is being viewed as recognition of Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts in support of peace in the region and its role in facilitating dialogue.
The US vice president’s remarks drew attention for their importance amid ongoing diplomatic engagement linked to regional peace initiatives.
Earlier, on arrival, the field marshal and the prime minister hugged the US vice president and had an exchange of smiles.
According to reports, the US delegation in Switzerland includes Vice President JD Vance, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, and adviser Jared Kushner.
On the Iranian side, the delegation is led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
Officials say the presence of multiple global figures reflects the high diplomatic sensitivity of the ongoing negotiations.
Pakistan and Qatar are playing a key mediating role in the talks, helping facilitate communication between the US and Iranian sides.
Diplomatic efforts are focused on building confidence between the parties and supporting progress toward a possible ceasefire framework.
The discussions in Switzerland are linked to the implementation of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding between the United States and Iran.
Officials say the talks are aimed at advancing technical-level understandings, including steps toward reducing regional tensions. Observers note that if the process succeeds, it could mark a significant diplomatic breakthrough for regional stability.
Meanwhile, addressing a meeting at the venue of the US-Iran talks in Switzerland, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised President Trump’s “visionary and very dynamic leadership”. He said the discussions were expected to produce positive and productive outcomes in the future.
The Prime Minister said that the talks became possible due to the prudent leadership of US President Donald Trump, describing the development as an important opportunity for global peace.
He said Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir played an important role in facilitating the talks. “We can work together to establish unity in the world,” the prime minister said. The Prime Minister of Qatar, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, also paid tribute to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir.
The prime minister also thanked US Vice President JD Vance, the Qatari prime minister and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for their perseverance and patience.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said President Trump’s leadership had helped bring the participants together for the meeting and expressed hope that the talks would lead to constructive results in the days ahead.
Meanwhile, technical-level negotiations between the United States and Iran are all set to begin in Bürgenstock, Switzerland, under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding. Delegations from the United States, Iran, Pakistan, and Qatar are participating in the discussions aimed at advancing the implementation of commitments agreed between Washington and Tehran.
Officials said this marks the first formal round of engagement following the signing of the Islamabad MoU on June 17, 2026. Pakistan, which played a mediating role in the agreement, reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the implementation of understandings reached between the two sides.
In parallel, high-level Pakistan-Iran talks also commenced to strengthen bilateral ties and enhance diplomatic coordination. The Pakistani delegation includes Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Field Marshal Asim Munir, and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, while the Iranian side is led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf.
Officials described the discussions as focused on mutual interests, regional stability, and continued high-level cooperation between the two neighbouring countries.