ISLAMABAD :Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday held telephone conversations with President of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto and Malaysian counterpart Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim. The leaders expressed deep concern over the escalating crisis in the Middle East.
During the conversation with President Indonesia, the two leaders agreed to work together to urge all parties to exercise maximum restraint, while pursuing sincere and serious initiatives to resolve all outstanding differences, through constructive dialogue and diplomacy.
The prime minister strongly condemned Israel’s attacks on Iran, as well as the subsequent regrettable attacks on other brotherly Gulf countries.
He informed the Indonesian President of Pakistan’s diplomatic outreach efforts with all the Gulf countries in the aftermath of the crisis.
During the telephone call, the prime minister also briefed President Prabowo Subianto on recent developments vis-a-vis Afghanistan. The two leaders agreed to remain in close contact in coming days.
In discussion with Malaysian counterpart Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim, PM Shehbaz expressed his concerns following Israel’s attacks against Iran and the subsequent attacks against brotherly Gulf countries.
Shehbaz Sharif stressed the need for upholding respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states, as enshrined in the UN Charter and international law. He urged all parties to exercise restraint, end hostilities and resolve their differences through diplomacy and dialogue.
The two leaders agreed that restoration of peace and a swift return to normalcy is essential, but this can be achieved only through exercise of maximum restraint by all parties involved. In this regard, they agreed to work together and coordinate their positions on a regular basis.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also briefed Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on recent developments in the context of Afghanistan. He especially shared the efforts being undertaken to secure Pakistan against terrorist elements, while eradicating terrorism from the region and beyond.
Both leaders agreed to maintain close coordination on all issues of mutual interest.
