Prime Minister renews invitation to Crown Prince of Kuwait for official visit to Pakistan in telephone call
A collage of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif alongside Sheikh Sabah Al Khaled Al Hamad Al Mubarak Al Sabah. Photo: Reuters
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a telephonic conversation with Kuwait Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al Khaled on Wednesday, during which the two leaders exchanged Eidul Fitr greetings, discussed regional developments and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations.
According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, during the call, the two leaders exchanged greetings on the occasion of Eidul Fitr, conveying their wishes for “peace, prosperity and well-being” for the people of the two countries and the Muslim Ummah as a whole.
The statement said the Prime Minister also conveyed his “good wishes and respect” to the Emir of Kuwait, His Highness Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.
During the call, reiterating Pakistan’s strong condemnation of the recent attacks on Kuwait, Prime Minister Shehbaz expressed “deep sadness over the loss of precious lives” and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured, emphasizing Pakistan’s “solidarity and support with the brotherly people of Kuwait.”
Highlighting the broader regional context, he called on all countries to “work collectively to maintain peace and resolve disputes through dialogue and diplomacy.”
Learn more: Pakistan ready to mediate amid rising tensions in Middle East
The statement added that, reaffirming the long-standing ties between the two countries, the Prime Minister renewed his invitation to the Kuwaiti Crown Prince to visit Pakistan at his convenience. He concluded that the two leaders agreed to remain in close contact on issues of common interest.
Meanwhile, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said Pakistan was ready to play a central role in mediating regional tensions following the attack on Iran by the United States and Israel.
“Pakistan is engaged in discussions with various partners and we have always sought to maintain balance in our relations. I believe we are in a position to play a mediating role with regional countries,” he said in an interview with Al Jazeera.
The information minister expressed Pakistan’s “desire to participate in de-escalating the situation” in Iran and prevent further instability in the region. He emphasized that due to these long-standing ties, Pakistan is always ready to provide assistance whenever necessary.
Read also: Dar to attend Riyadh talks as Pakistan pushes diplomacy amid Mideast crisis
Separately, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar will visit Riyadh on March 18-19 to attend a meeting of foreign ministers of regional countries, the Pakistani Foreign Ministry announced on Wednesday.
In an article on X, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Dar would use the meeting to reiterate Pakistan’s diplomatic stance amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.
“During the meeting, the DPM/FM will express full support for the territorial integrity, sovereignty and political independence of all brotherly countries in the region, and call for an end to all attacks on their territory,” the statement said.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dar will reaffirm Pakistan’s call for an immediate end to the ongoing conflict and emphasize the need to resume dialogue and diplomacy. He is also expected to highlight Pakistan’s diplomatic initiatives and its commitment to play a constructive role in addressing the region’s growing security challenges.
The visit comes as the war led by the United States and Israel against Iran intensifies, worsening instability in the Middle East. Iranian state television reported Wednesday that Iran targeted Tel Aviv with missiles carrying fragmentation warheads, calling the attack a retaliation for Israel’s assassination of Iranian security chief Ali Larijani.
Earlier, on March 12, Prime Minister Shehbaz visited Riyadh for detailed discussions on the regional situation with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
