KABUL: Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has begun a regional tour to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Turkey, ahead of the next round of talks between the United States and Iran, which are set to be hosted in Islamabad.
According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office on Thursday, Sharif met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah shortly after arriving in the kingdom.
During the meeting, Sharif briefed the Saudi leader on the latest developments and details of the recent talks between the Iranian and U.S. delegations held in Islamabad last Friday.
The Pakistani premier reaffirmed his country’s commitment to facilitating dialogue between Washington and Tehran, emphasizing efforts to encourage both sides toward an agreement that would ensure lasting peace and stability in the region.
The visit comes as reports indicate preparations for a new round of negotiations between U.S. and Iranian officials under Pakistan’s mediation.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, Asim Munir, arrived in Tehran a day earlier for meetings with Iranian officials. Sharif is expected to travel onward to Ankara and Doha as part of his regional diplomatic outreach.