Pakistan, Iran Discuss Importance of Uninterrupted Energy Supplies

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar highlighted the significance of uninterrupted energy supplies and the safe passage of ships during a phone conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, according to a statement from the Foreign Office (FO) on Saturday.

The FO further stated that both officials agreed to maintain close cooperation and are planning to meet in New York during the upcoming 81st UN General Assembly session.

Dar underscored that ongoing dialogue and diplomacy are essential for ensuring peace and stability in the region, as mentioned by the FO spokesperson.

This exchange follows Pakistan's recent call urging Yemen's Houthis to halt attacks on merchant ships and seafarers in Bab al-Mandab. Pakistan condemned the actions of the group as an attempt to weaponise the waterway.

At a UN Security Council Arria-Formula meeting, Pakistan's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, spoke about the need to safeguard freedom of navigation and the safety of commercial shipping.

The ambassador noted that attacks around the Bab al-Mandab strait and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz could have wide-reaching effects on global peace, energy security, and regional stability. He reiterated Pakistan’s solidarity with Saudi Arabia, emphasising the serious impact of the incidents on maritime security and development in the region.

Ambassador Ahmad also expressed deep concern over recent disruptions and attacks on commercial shipping, stating that such actions could have serious consequences for security and stability in the area.