Dar underscores push to expand Pakistan’s engagement with Saudi Arabia, UAE and Iran

• DPM meets Pakistani envoys to Saudi Arabia, UAE and Iran, stresses expanded cooperation with regional nations across key sectors

• Emphasizes diplomacy and dialogue amid heightened regional tensions

 ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Tuesday said Pakistan places high importance on its fraternal relations with Saudi Arabia and remains committed to further expanding cooperation across key sectors, including trade, investment, energy, and human resource development.

According to a statement issued by the Foreign Office (FO), the deputy prime minister made the remarks during a meeting with Pakistan’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Ahmed Farooq on the sidelines of the Regional Envoys’ Conference in Islamabad.

Pakistan’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Mr. Ahmed Farooq, called on today Deputy Prime Minister / Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 on the sidelines of the Regional Envoys Conference in Islamabad.

Appreciating the strong fraternal Pakistan–Saudi Arabia… pic.twitter.com/v52Ct8BQp9

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) May 19, 2026

During the meeting, FM Dar appreciated the longstanding and brotherly Pakistan–Saudi Arabia relations and underscored the need to sustain the positive momentum in bilateral engagement by further deepening cooperation in multiple sectors, including trade, investment, energy, and human resource development.

He also stressed the importance of continued engagement with the Pakistani community in the Kingdom, noting their constructive role in strengthening bilateral ties and contributing to the socio-economic development of both countries.

Dar also meets Pakistan envoy to UAE

Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also met Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Shafqat Ali Khan on the sidelines of the same conference.

In a separate statement, the Foreign Office said the deputy prime minister emphasised the need to further expand bilateral cooperation between Pakistan and the UAE across diverse sectors and to reinforce strong diplomatic and economic relations.

Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, Shafqat Ali Khan, called on Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on the sidelines of the Regional Envoys’ Conference in Islamabad.

During the meeting, the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister emphasized the… pic.twitter.com/53DLBfXeTD

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) May 19, 2026

He also highlighted the positive contribution of the Pakistani diaspora in the UAE and directed that additional measures be taken for their welfare and facilitation. Dar further called for strengthening people-to-people linkages between the two countries.

Pakistan, Iran to deepen cooperation in key areas

Earlier in the day, Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening relations with Iran as Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar met Ambassador-designate to Iran Imran Ahmed Siddiqui ahead of his posting to Tehran.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), the deputy prime minister recalled the deep-rooted historical, cultural, and fraternal ties between Pakistan and Iran and reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to expanding cooperation in all areas, particularly trade, connectivity, people-to-people exchanges, and regional collaboration.

He stressed the importance of maintaining positive momentum in bilateral engagement through close coordination and mutual understanding.

Pakistan’s Ambassador-designate to the Islamic Republic of Iran, Mr. Imran Ahmed Siddiqui, called on DPM/FM Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 ahead of his departure to Tehran.

Recalling the deep-rooted historical, cultural, and fraternal bonds between Pakistan and Iran,… pic.twitter.com/qsTkmW4BXr

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) May 19, 2026

Dar also highlighted Pakistan’s constructive role in promoting regional peace, dialogue, and stability, expressing confidence that the ambassador-designate would contribute effectively to further strengthening the longstanding partnership between the two countries. He extended his best wishes for success in his new assignment.

Regional peace context

Pakistan has in recent months continued to emphasize diplomacy and dialogue amid heightened regional tensions, positioning itself in support of de-escalation efforts and broader regional stability initiatives.

Pakistan subsequently positioned itself as a key mediator for peace, brokering a two-week ceasefire and hosting the highest-level US-Iran talks since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Although the "Islamabad Talks" ended without agreement, the ceasefire was held and later extended upon Islamabad's request.

The US and Iran are expected to hold a second and final round of talks in Islamabad however, there has been no official confirmation from any side regarding this. Despite no confirmation, Pakistan has expressed optimism that a peace agreement between the US and Iran would be struck "soon."