Pakistan will host the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Egypt in Islamabad on March 29 and March 30 for talks focused on Iran and efforts to reduce tensions across the Middle East. The announcement was made by Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, who said the visit would also include a meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Reports Dw.com.
Dar said Pakistan values its ties with the three countries and sees the visit as a chance to deepen coordination on issues of shared concern. According to him, the discussions will cover both the broader regional security situation and consultations related to Iran, at a time when instability in the Gulf and surrounding areas remains high.
Pakistan has recently been seen as a possible intermediary between Iran and the United States because it maintains working relations with Tehran, Gulf Arab states and Washington. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul also said on March 27 that he expects direct contact between US and Iranian representatives very soon, although he gave no details.
Recent reports by international media said Washington had sent a 15 point proposal to Iran through Pakistan. The reported ideas included restoring safe shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and placing strict limits on Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief. At the same time, media reports said Tehran has its own demands, including security guarantees and the removal of sanctions.
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