Dar to depart for Riyadh to attend regional foreign ministers' meeting, call for end to Middle East conflict

ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar will leave for Riyadh on Wednesday to participate in a meeting of foreign ministers from regional countries, where he is expected to push for a "swift end" to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, the Foreign Office (FO) said.

The visit comes at the invitation of Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud and is scheduled from March 18 to 19.

Background to the conflict

The Middle East conflict escalated after US-Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28. In response, Iran carried out retaliatory strikes targeting US assets and military bases in Gulf countries. The hostilities have prompted diplomatic efforts across the region, with Pakistan seeking to position itself as a mediator.

Pakistan's stance as 'bridge builder'

The Foreign Office has described Pakistan's role amid the ongoing hostilities as that of a "bridge builder." During his visit to Riyadh, Dar is expected to express Pakistan's firm position on respecting the sovereignty and independence of all nations in the region.

According to the FO, the foreign minister will "express complete support for the territorial integrity, sovereignty, and political independence of all brotherly countries in the region, and call for an end to all attacks on their territory."

Dar will also reiterate "Pakistan's call for a swift end to the ongoing conflict" and urge a return to "dialogue and diplomacy," the FO added.

Diplomatic engagement

The meeting in Riyadh brings together foreign ministers from across the region as nations seek a diplomatic path forward amid the escalating tensions. Pakistan's participation underscores its efforts to play an active role in de-escalating the situation and advocating for a peaceful resolution through diplomatic channels.

The Foreign Office's emphasis on Pakistan's bridge-building role signals Islamabad's intent to engage constructively with all parties involved in the conflict, particularly the Gulf states that have been directly affected by the retaliatory strikes on US assets stationed on their soil.

Dar's visit to the Saudi capital is expected to involve bilateral discussions on the sidelines of the multilateral gathering, as Pakistan continues to strengthen its diplomatic ties with Saudi Arabia and other regional partners during this period of heightened tensions in the Middle East.