Islamabad to host Sunday quadrilateral meeting to explore avenues for de-escalation

RIYADH — Pakistan announced on Saturday that the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and Egypt will gather in Islamabad on Sunday for a two-day quadrilateral meeting to explore avenues forreaching a settlement to the conflict in the Middle East region. A statement issued by the Pakistani Foreign Ministry said that the foreign ministers of the four countries will meet in Islamabad on March 29 and 30 to hold “in-depth talks on a range of issues, including efforts to reduce tensions in the region.” Pakistan Television Global said in a social media post that the meeting will be chaired by Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, with participating countries expected to explore avenues for de-escalation and promote regional stability. The development comes amid intensified diplomatic activity by Pakistan as it seeks to facilitate dialogue and reduce tensions in the Middle East. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said in a televised address late Friday that Pakistan was undertaking “sincere and comprehensive diplomatic efforts” to help bring the ongoing conflict to an end. “The objective is to create a pathway to lasting peace through collective wisdom and consultation,” he said. Ishaq Dar told Pakistan’s Geo News that the meeting was originally scheduled to be held in Turkey, but he invited the delegations to Islamabad due to scheduling constraints. “Pakistan is working sincerely and earnestly to resolve the ongoing conflicts and enjoys strong support from friendly countries. Talks with Iran are ongoing, but given the sensitivity of the negotiations, officials are refraining from making public statements,” he said. Dar indicated that the four foreign ministers will hold separate meetings with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday. In the same context, the office of Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reported that he had a one-hour phone call with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to discuss regional tensions and peace efforts. He noted that Pezeshkian informed Sharif of the need to “build trust to conduct the talks,” praising Pakistan’s role in the peace process. Ishaq Dar confirmed on Thursday that his country is conveying messages between the United States and Iran and is working to end the war that has been raging in the Middle East since February 28.

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