Islamabad (Web Desk): President Asif Ali Zardari has welcomed the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the United States (US) and Iran, describing the development as a significant milestone for regional and global peace.
In a statement, the president noted that the conflict that erupted in February this year caused widespread suffering across the region and had a damaging impact on international energy markets, trade activities and overall economic stability.
He expressed optimism that such a painful chapter would not be repeated and that countries in the region could now channel their efforts towards progress, economic growth and the welfare of their citizens.
President Zardari praised Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi for their persistent diplomatic engagement, which he said played an important role in helping the parties move towards an agreement.
He stated that Pakistan had maintained a responsible, balanced and constructive stance throughout the crisis.
The president said that Pakistan consistently advocated dialogue, restraint and peaceful conflict resolution while remaining in contact with all stakeholders involved.
President Zardari also commended the leadership of both the United States and Iran for choosing diplomacy and working towards a peaceful settlement of the dispute.
He further acknowledged the contribution of friendly countries, including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and Egypt, as well as Russia and China, whose support for dialogue helped advance efforts aimed at achieving peace.
Emphasising the importance of the next phase, President Zardari urged all sides to fully honour the Islamabad MoU and speed up efforts to finalise a comprehensive agreement within the agreed timeframe so that lasting peace and stability can be secured.
He expressed confidence that the memorandum, closely associated with Islamabad and Pakistan's diplomatic role, would become the cornerstone of a durable and far-reaching peace framework for the region.
Such an outcome, he said, would enable countries to concentrate on economic advancement, energy partnerships and improving the quality of life for their people.
Reaffirming Pakistan's commitment to regional harmony, President Zardari said that the country would continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with its brotherly nations in their collective pursuit of peace, stability and shared prosperity.