PM Shehbaz, Qatari Emir Discuss Progress in US-Iran Talks

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday held a telephone conversation with the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, during which the two leaders expressed satisfaction over the progress made in the first round of technical talks between the United States and Iran in Switzerland.

In a post on X, the prime minister said he had a warm and cordial conversation with the Qatari emir and thanked Qatar for its support for the peace efforts that led to the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the US and Iran on June 18.

The two leaders agreed on the importance of maintaining the momentum generated by the talks held in Bürgenstock, Switzerland, and stressed the need for continued dialogue and diplomacy.

Prime Minister Shehbaz also thanked the Qatari emir for his condolences over the death of a Pakistani national in the recent fire incident at the Ras Laffan liquefied natural gas (LNG) complex in Qatar.

The premier appreciated Qatar’s hospitality towards the Pakistani community living in the Gulf state and reaffirmed Islamabad’s commitment to strengthening its close ties with Doha. He said Pakistan looked forward to welcoming the Qatari emir later this year.

Earlier, during the visit of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to Islamabad, Prime Minister Shehbaz had acknowledged the Qatari emir’s role in supporting the peace process. He had also thanked Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and Egypt for their encouragement and support.

The US and Iran held direct talks in Switzerland on June 20-21 under the framework of the Islamabad MoU. The negotiations, facilitated by Pakistan and Qatar, focused on efforts to reduce tensions and advance a diplomatic settlement following the recent conflict.

The talks established a mechanism for continued technical-level discussions between Washington and Tehran. As part of the process, both sides agreed to maintain communication channels aimed at preventing misunderstandings and ensuring stability in the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani visited Oman on Wednesday to discuss regional cooperation and maritime security issues with Gulf countries, Iraq and Iran, particularly regarding the Strait of Hormuz.