Pakistan has said talks between the US and Iran are expected to resume next week. In a statement issued late on Wednesday, Pakistan’s foreign office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said “parties are on the table” and that the process was going on.
The US and Iran last week signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at restoring peace in West Asia. Earlier this week, they engaged in technical-level talks in Switzerland’s Burgenstock, in the presence of mediators Pakistan, which has signed the memorandum as a “guarantor”, and Qatar, following which they agreed on a roadmap towards a final peace deal in 60 days.
“Talks are continuing. I believe that the talks will resume next week, probably on Tuesday... Basically, this is a temporary gap, and it is not as such a break,” Andrabi was quoted as saying in the statement.
“Our delegation was there in Burgenstock for the 22nd June talks. I understand that our delegation will also be there when the talks resume next week,” he added.
He also said the expected resumption of talks between the US and Iran next week was a “positive development”. However, the US and Iran have not yet said anything on the possible resumption of talks.
China backs Pak’s mediation efforts
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has congratulated Pakistan’s leadership and pledged “unwavering support” for its mediation efforts between the US and Iran, according to a statement issued by the foreign office in Islamabad.
It said a telephonic conversation took place on Wednesday between Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and his Chinese counterpart.
The discussions focused on the Iran-US peace process, particularly the first round of high-level talks in Switzerland mediated by Pakistan and Qatar, with Wang praising Pakistan's untiring efforts for peace and stability, the statement said.
“He reaffirmed China’s unwavering support for Pakistan's mediation efforts, underlining the importance of peaceful settlement of disputes as enshrined in the UN Charter,” it said.
Dar shared that the talks led to the establishment of a high-level committee to oversee the mediation process under a memorandum of understanding that was signed by the US and Iran last week, according to the statement.
Three working groups have been set up to focus on the nuclear issue, sanctions and monitoring, aiming to facilitate a final deal between the US and Iran within 60 days.
The two leaders reaffirmed the resolve of Pakistan and China to work closely for a negotiated settlement between the US and Iran, to bring a permanent end to hostilities and promote lasting peace, shared development and common prosperity, it said.
Also read: Iran President invites PM Modi to Khamenei's funeral
Follow us
