NEW YORK: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar met Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly on Thursday, with Pakistan stressing dialogue and sustained diplomatic engagement amid regional tensions.
The two foreign ministers discussed bilateral relations and exchanged views on regional and international developments, according to Pakistan’s Foreign Office and the Associated Press of Pakistan.
Dar underscored the importance of dialogue, diplomacy and sustained engagement in promoting regional peace and stability.
Both sides agreed to remain in close contact.
The meeting took place as Iran and the United States pursued renewed diplomatic contacts in New York over the war, the US naval blockade and the Strait of Hormuz.
Pakistan has supported efforts to reduce tensions in the region and has been involved in wider diplomatic contacts surrounding the conflict.
The official account of Thursday’s Dar-Araghchi meeting, however, focused on bilateral ties and regional and international developments. It did not describe the meeting itself as a formal mediation session between Iran and the United States.
Pakistan stresses diplomatic engagement
The conflict has direct economic and security implications for Pakistan because of its proximity to Iran and its dependence on Gulf energy supplies and maritime routes.
Disruption around Hormuz has affected LNG and oil movements, while regional escalation has increased uncertainty across shipping and energy markets.
Dar’s emphasis on sustained engagement is consistent with Islamabad’s public position that regional disputes should be addressed through dialogue and diplomacy.
No new bilateral agreement was announced after the meeting.
The two ministers’ decision to remain in close contact keeps a senior-level channel open as diplomatic activity around Iran intensifies during the UN gathering.