EU President Reaffirms Support for Pakistan’s Middle East Peace Efforts
European Council President Antonio Costa on Monday reaffirmed the European Union’s diplomatic backing for Pakistan’s efforts to promote peace in the Middle East during a meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Costa emphasized that only dialogue and diplomacy could restore stability in the region.
Tensions in the Middle East surged last month after US and Israeli airstrikes killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several senior officials. In retaliation, Iran launched attacks on US military bases across the Gulf, escalating the regional conflict.
Pakistan has intensified its diplomatic engagement, positioning itself as a key mediator between the US and Iran. According to a statement by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), Costa and PM Shehbaz discussed the ongoing hostilities and reviewed Pakistan-EU relations.
“Both leaders expressed deep concern over the hostilities in Iran and Gulf countries and their impact on the global economy. They stressed the need for dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the crisis,” the PMO statement said.
The prime minister also briefed Costa on Pakistan’s mediation efforts, which Costa endorsed, reaffirming the EU’s support for initiatives aimed at restoring regional peace and stability. PM Shehbaz highlighted the importance of GSP Plus and mentioned his anticipation for the inaugural Pakistan-EU Business Forum in Islamabad on April 28-29.
The PMO noted that PM Shehbaz’s previously scheduled visit to Brussels had been postponed, underlining Pakistan’s strong commitment to EU relations. Costa expressed his willingness to welcome the prime minister at a mutually convenient time. The prime minister also conveyed his regards to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
On social media platform X, Costa wrote: “Good call today with the prime minister of Pakistan to hear his assessment on the Iran war and the outcome of the recent consultations between the foreign ministers of Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Türkiye held in Islamabad. The EU is gravely concerned about the prolongation of the war and its global impact. I wish Pakistan all the best in its peace endeavours.”
Costa further reiterated that “only dialogue and diplomacy can bring peace and stability back to the Middle East, in full respect of the UN Charter and international law.”
PM Shehbaz also posted on X, stating: “We exchanged views on the ongoing hostilities in the Middle East and agreed that dialogue and diplomacy must prevail to restore regional peace and stability. I briefed him on Pakistan’s ongoing mediation efforts, which he welcomed and supported.”
A day earlier, Pakistan hosted a quadrilateral foreign ministers’ meeting in Islamabad with representatives from Turkiye, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt to discuss easing tensions between the US and Iran. Following the meeting, Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar stated that Islamabad could host high-level US-Iran talks “in the coming days.” He said both Tehran and Washington had expressed confidence in Pakistan’s role as a neutral facilitator and praised the full support of visiting foreign ministers for the initiative.
Dar added, “Pakistan will be honoured to host and facilitate meaningful talks between the two sides for a comprehensive and lasting settlement.”
