DNA
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has renewed its call for full implementation of the June 18 Islamabad memorandum of understanding, telling Washington that the agreement offered the “only way forward” towards regional peace and stability.
The same message was also conveyed to the United Kingdom. Though Friday was a national holiday as the nation celebrated its 79 years of independence, the office of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar remained open and US Charge d’Affaires Natalie A Baker called on him on Friday, The News reported on Saturday.
Pakistan’s message to Washington comes at a time when Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent threatened Iran with economic isolation “like the world has never seen before”, saying new measures are expected next week. It will be a combination of economic isolation like the world has never seen before.
The foreign minister appreciated the positive trajectory in Pakistan-US relations and underscored the importance of dialogue and diplomacy for lasting peace. “He stressed that the implementation of the Islamabad MoU of 18 June in letter and spirit is the only way forward,” the Foreign Office said in a statement. Dar also reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to regional peace and security while safeguarding its national interests.
“Discussions centred on Pakistan-US bilateral cooperation and recent regional developments. The US Chargé appreciated Pakistan’s constructive role in promoting regional peace and stability and conveyed felicitations to the DPM/FM on Pakistan’s Independence Day,” added the statement.
Meanwhile, the meeting between Baker and Dar was followed by UK High Commissioner to Pakistan Jane Marriott calling on the foreign minister. “Recent regional and international developments also figured in the discussion. DPM/FM stressed that the Islamabad MoU should be implemented by the parties in letter and spirit and reaffirmed that dialogue and diplomacy remain the only way forward to address outstanding issues,” said the FO.
Dar appreciated the positive momentum in Pakistan-UK relations while also recalling his recent meeting with UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband on the sidelines of the ASEAN Regional Forum in Manila and highlighted the importance of sustained high-level contacts. They discussed key areas of mutual interest and ways to further strengthen bilateral cooperation.
Ambassador of China Jiang Zaidong also called on the foreign minister, who conveyed condolences on the tragic death of a Chinese mountaineer following an avalanche incident at Broad Peak in Gilgit-Baltistan and promised full facilitation for the return of the deceased’s remains. Ambassador Jiang Zaidong appreciated Pakistan’s prompt assistance and support following the incident.
“Views were also exchanged on regional developments and other matters of mutual interest while Ambassador Jiang Zaidong extended warm congratulations to the people and leadership of Pakistan on the occasion of Independence Day, reaffirming the close and time-tested ties between the two countries,” said the statement.
Earlier, the foreign minister spoke on the telephone with his Egyptian counterpart Badr Abdelatty, who extended warm greetings on Pakistan’s Independence Day to the leadership, government and people of Pakistan, and conveyed his best wishes for continued peace, progress and prosperity.
“The two leaders reaffirmed the close and brotherly relations between Pakistan and Egypt and expressed their shared commitment to further strengthening cooperation across all areas of mutual interest, including through enhanced high-level exchanges and close institutional engagement.
“They also exchanged views on regional and international developments of mutual interest and agreed to remain in close contact,” said the Foreign Office.
