PM Shehbaz, New Zealand counterpart discuss ME situation, stress peace efforts

• Premier Shehbaz holds warm talks with New Zealand PM Christopher Luxon on Middle East situation during a call

• Two leaders review Pakistan’s peace and de-escalation efforts, stressing diplomacy, dialogue as only way to resolve conflict

• PM Luxon lauds Pakistan’s outreach to Washington and Tehran, with two leaders agree to strengthen Pakistan–New Zealand bilateral relations

• PM Shehbaz invites New Zealand counterpart for official visit to Pakistan

• EU delegation praises Pakistan’s facilitation of Business Forum and investment climate

  ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday held a telephone conversation with the Prime Minister of New Zealand, Christopher Luxon, during which the two leaders exchanged views on the evolving situation in the Middle East and reaffirmed their commitment to regional peace and stability.

In what was described as a “warm and cordial conversation,” the Prime Minister briefed his New Zealand counterpart on Pakistan’s ongoing diplomatic outreach and sustained efforts to promote peace and de-escalation in the region, according to a press release issued by the PM Office.

Islamabad: 28 April 2026

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif received a telephone call this afternoon, from the Prime Minister of New Zealand, Rt Hon Christopher Luxon.

During their warm and cordial conversation, the two leaders exchanged views on the evolving situation in… pic.twitter.com/jL6b6MNvMA

— Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) April 28, 2026

Prime Minister Luxon expressed deep appreciation for Pakistan’s constructive diplomatic initiatives, including its engagement with both Washington and Tehran, and conveyed his best wishes for the success of ongoing mediation efforts.

PM Shehbaz thanked the New Zealand Prime Minister for his support and reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to advancing peace, dialogue, and stability both regionally and globally.

Both leaders also agreed to further strengthen Pakistan–New Zealand bilateral relations, expressing satisfaction over the cordial and friendly ties between the two countries. In this context, they particularly appreciated the positive role of the Pakistani diaspora in New Zealand.

At the conclusion of the conversation, the Prime Minister extended a warm invitation to the New Zealand Prime Minister to undertake an official visit to Pakistan at his earliest convenience. Both leaders agreed to remain in close contact in the coming days.

Meanwhile, in a post on X, PM Shehbaz Sharif said the conversation focused on Pakistan’s ongoing diplomatic outreach aimed at promoting peace and de-escalation in the Middle East.

Had the pleasure of receiving a telephone call from Rt Hon Christopher Luxon, Prime Minister of New Zealand, this afternoon.

Our warm and productive conversation focused on Pakistan’s ongoing diplomatic outreach to promote peace and de-escalation in the Middle East.

Grateful…

— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) April 28, 2026

Separately, EU delegation meeting: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday also met a delegation of senior officials of the European Union and business representatives from leading European companies, assuring them of Pakistan’s continued efforts to facilitate the growth of trade and investment ties with the EU.

اسلام آباد: 28 اپریل، 2026.

وزیراعظم محمد شہبازشریف سے یورپی یونین کے سینئر حکام اور ممتاز یورپی کمپنیوں کے کاروباری نمائندوں کے وفد نے آج صبح وزیراعظم ہاؤس میں ملاقات کی۔ وفد کی قیادت یورپی کمیشن کے ڈائریکٹوریٹ جنرل آف انٹرنیشنل پارٹنرشپس کے ڈائریکٹر (ایشیا پیسفک) مسٹر پیٹرس… pic.twitter.com/WWo22OznBq

— Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) April 28, 2026

The prime minister reiterated the government’s commitment to stabilising the economy despite regional challenges, including the recent surge in oil prices triggered by the Middle East situation.

The delegation was led by Peteris Ustubs, Director (Asia Pacific) at the European Commission’s Directorate General for International Partnerships, and included Thourya Triki of the European Investment Bank, as well as senior executives from major European companies, including Manuel Pauser (Vice President, Adidas), Karl Schloegelbauer (Vice President, Andritz), and Dieter Metkke (Regional Director, IKEA). The EU Ambassador to Pakistan Raimundas Karoblis was also present.

Islamabad : 28 April, 2026.

A delegation of senior officials of the European Union and business representatives from prominent European companies, called on Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif at the Prime Minister House this morning.

The delegation was led by Mr. Peteris… pic.twitter.com/iEtyPN0hwb

— Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) April 28, 2026

The delegation is visiting Pakistan to attend the EU–Pakistan Business Forum. The prime minister welcomed the delegates and thanked them for their participation, noting that the European Union remains Pakistan’s largest trading partner and the leading destination for its exports.

He expressed hope that the forum would further strengthen trade and investment relations between Pakistan and the EU, particularly in energy, communications, and IT sectors.

The prime minister also recalled his recent telephone conversations with European Council President António Costa, during which they discussed regional security issues and avenues to deepen Pakistan–EU cooperation.

Appreciating the prime minister’s role in regional peace efforts, the EU delegation thanked the Government of Pakistan for facilitating the Business Forum. Members also shared positive experiences of their investments in Pakistan, noting significant potential for expansion of business-to-business cooperation.

They said more than 600 B2B meetings are expected on the sidelines of the forum across multiple sectors.

From the Pakistani side, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan, Minister for Law, Justice and Human Rights Azam Nazir Tarar, Advisor to the PM Tauqir Shah, Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani, SAPMs Syed Tariq Fatemi and Haroon Akhtar Khan, along with senior officials, also attended the meeting.