Pakistan hailed for mediation role as Uzbekistan praises Islamabad’s peace diplomacy

• In phone call with DPM/FM Dar, Uzbek FM lauds Pakistan’s ‘constructive contribution’ to regional stability

• Both leaders commend progress on Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, agree to deepen engagement for lasting regional prosperity

• FM Dar arrives in Cairo to attend the Regional Foreign Ministers’ Meeting scheduled for Sunday

 ISLAMABAD: Uzbekistan’s Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov on Saturday appreciated Pakistan’s role as a mediator and acknowledged its significant contribution to advancing international peace efforts, as well as promoting regional peace and stability, according to the Foreign Office (FO).

In a post on X, the FO said Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar received a telephone call from his Uzbek counterpart, during which FM Saidov lauded Pakistan’s mediation efforts and its constructive role in strengthening regional peace and stability.

Deputy Prime Minister / Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 received a telephone call from the Foreign Minister of Uzbekistan, Bakhtiyor Saidov @FM_Saidov.

FM Saidov felicitated, on behalf of his President and himself, DPM/FM on the signing of the Islamabad… pic.twitter.com/LA8tTdxlFz

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) June 20, 2026

During the call, FM Saidov felicitated, on behalf of his President and himself, the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister on the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding. He also commended the leadership of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, DPM/FM Ishaq Dar, and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for their constructive role in facilitating the process, the Foreign Office spokesperson said.

Both leaders expressed the hope that the progress achieved would be carried forward into the next phase of engagement, contributing to lasting peace, stability and prosperity in the region and beyond.

They also agreed to maintain close contact on matters of mutual interest.

A day earlier, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held a telephone conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi, during which both sides exchanged views on recent regional developments and expressed concern over Israel’s ceasefire violations in Lebanon.

Deputy Prime Minister / Foreign Minister Senator Mohammed Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 spoke this evening with the Foreign Minister of Iran, Seyed Abbas Araghchi @Araghchi.

DPM/FM felicitated the leadership, government, and people of the Islamic Republic of Iran on the signing of the… pic.twitter.com/2mGnoQ3UlM

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

During the call, the DPM/FM congratulated Iran’s leadership, government and people on the signing of the historic “Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding” with the United States, and extended best wishes for the next phase of negotiations, expressing hope for a smooth and positive outcome. Foreign Minister Araghchi, in turn, appreciated Pakistan’s constructive and sustained mediation efforts.

 DPM arrives in Cairo to attend regional foreign ministers’ meeting

Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar arrived in Cairo, Egypt, to attend the Regional Foreign Ministers’ Meeting scheduled for June 21, where he will also hold bilateral meetings with his counterparts on the sidelines.

Upon arrival, he was received by Nazih El Naggary, Assistant Foreign Minister for Policy Planning, Research, Crisis Management and Assessments, and Pakistan’s Ambassador to Egypt, Ambassador Aamir Shouket, according to the Foreign Office.

Deputy Prime Minister / Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MishaqDar50 arrived in Cairo, Egypt, to attend the Regional Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on 21 June, and he will hold bilateral meetings with his counterparts on the sidelines.

Upon arrival, he was received by… pic.twitter.com/lvBqzMxe1y

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) June 20, 2026

The DPM/FM is scheduled to attend the 4th Meeting of the Foreign Ministers of the R-4 Group of Countries, where Pakistan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye will deliberate on regional security and diplomatic developments amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East, according to the FO.

In a post on X, the FO said the Cairo meeting marks the fourth session of the R-4 framework, a diplomatic platform launched in March this year by Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan amid heightened regional instability, including the US-Iran conflict and broader geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

🔊PR No.1️⃣4️⃣7️⃣/2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣6️⃣

4th Meeting of the R-4 Foreign Ministers in Cairo, Egypt (21 June, 2026)

🔗⬇️ pic.twitter.com/hwfks0IkDk

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

The grouping has since served as a coordination mechanism for consultations on evolving political, security and economic challenges, as well as for promoting de-escalation efforts across the region.

“At the invitation of Egyptian Foreign Minister Dr Badr Abdelatty, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar will attend the 4th Meeting of the R-4 Group of Countries in Cairo on June 21, 2026,” the FO said.

“The meeting will bring together the foreign ministers of Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan to discuss regional developments and exchange views on peace, security and stability,” it added.

According to the statement, the ministers will also review ways to further strengthen cooperation in areas of shared interest.

During the visit, the Deputy Prime Minister will hold bilateral consultations with Egyptian Foreign Minister Dr Badr Abdelatty and is also expected to call on Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi.

The discussions will focus on expanding Pakistan–Egypt cooperation across multiple sectors, alongside exchanges on regional and international developments of mutual interest.