admin Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, the key mediator in the ceasefire between the United States and Iran, met Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani on Thursday during a push by Islamabad for a second round of peace talks between Washington and Tehran.
Shahbaz expressed solidarity with Qatar and urged de-escalation and dialogue for peace in the Middle East during the meeting with Sheikh Tamim.
According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) on X, the meeting, held at the Amiri Diwan, lasted over an hour. Both leaders discussed the latest regional and international developments, particularly in the Middle East.
“At the outset, Qatari emir welcomed PM Shahbaz and his delegation, and expressed his deep appreciation for Pakistan’s pivotal role in supporting efforts to de-escalate tensions in the region and promote diplomatic dialogue in a manner that serves regional security and stability,” the PMO statement read.
It added that the prime minister renewed his condemnation of the attacks against Qatar and other Gulf countries, while reaffirming Pakistan’s full solidarity and support for the leadership and people of Qatar.
Sheikh Tamim and Shahbaz Sharif hold talks in Doha. Reuters
The Qatar Emir praised Pakistan’s role and, according to the Pakistani statement, the pair also voiced support for “de-escalation efforts and enhancing international coordination to ensure the security and stability of the region, particularly ensuring the maintenance of smooth flow of energy supply chains.”
Later, the prime minister in a post on X said, “I had a most warm and cordial meeting with my dear brother, Emir of Qatar His Highness Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, in Doha today. I thanked His Highness the Emir on behalf of the people of Pakistan for the exceptionally warm and generous gesture of sending Qatar’s fighter jets to escort our aircraft as it entered Qatari airspace.”
PM Shahbaz added that he was truly touched by the gesture, which embodied the spirit of Qatar’s renowned hospitality and the strength of the two countries’ enduring ties.
The Pakistani premier was later due in Turkey, the last stop in a four-day tour which comes on the heels of high-level talks between US and Iranian delegations in Islamabad last weekend.
The talks in Pakistan failed to reach an immediate agreement to permanently end the war in the Middle East following the start of a two-week ceasefire on April 8.
Shahbaz Sharif arrives in Doha on Thursday. Reuters
On Wednesday, Qatar’s emir held a call with US President Donald Trump, in which the pair discussed the impact of the war “on international maritime security and the stability of global energy markets and supply chains”, according to a statement by the emir’s office.
Trump has indicated that a possible second round of peace talks with Iran in Pakistan could resume this week.
Qatar, a key mediator with the US and Egypt in the Gaza war which ended in October, has in recent years played a role mediating with Iran alongside Oman.
Agence France-Presse
