Islamabad, Apr 13 (PTI) The UK and Pakistan on Monday exchanged views on the recently held direct US-Iran negotiations, as well as broader regional development.
During a telephone conversation with Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister (DPM/FM) Ishaq Dar, UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper lauded the country's role in promoting peace in West Asia.
According to a statement by the Foreign Office, they exchanged views on the recently held direct US-Iran negotiations at the Islamabad talks, as well as broader regional developments.
Cooper “appreciated Pakistan's constructive role in promoting peace and stability in the region,” it added.
Dar underscored the need for all parties to respect and implement the ceasefire fully.
He also reaffirmed Pakistan's continued commitment to advancing dialogue and diplomacy as the only viable means of addressing regional challenges and fostering lasting peace.
Pakistan led the diplomatic push to bring the two sides to the table, which became possible after an appeal by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif earlier this week, leading to a pause in the fighting.
The 21-hour talks between the US and Iran on Saturday were the first of their kind since 1979 due to the involvement of top-level officials from both sides. The two sides, however, failed to secure a lasting peace deal to end hostilities following their talks in Pakistan over the weekend.
The conflict began after the US and Israel launched attacks on Iran on February 28, paralysing global energy markets and disrupting trade.
The negotiations were closely watched globally, for their likely far-reaching implications for West Asia's security, global energy markets, and international diplomacy.