ISLAMABAD: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Monday thanked Pakistan for playing an "important role" in facilitating direct talks between the United States and Iran.
Speaking after a European Commission college meeting on the economic fallout of the conflict, von der Leyen offered a public acknowledgment of Islamabad's diplomatic contribution. "Allow me to say a word of gratitude to Pakistan for the important role they have played to get to this point," she said.
The remarks came as von der Leyen outlined the severe financial cost of the Middle East War for the European Union: 22 billion euros ($25.76 billion) in additional fossil fuel import costs in just 44 days. She called for urgent structural reforms to reduce European dependence on Gulf energy.
"We also know that negotiations have been stalled now, and we have to see how things go on," von der Leyen said.
The Islamabad Talks
The Islamabad Talks were 21-hour discussions between the United States and Iran that ended inconclusively on April 12, marking the two countries' first direct, high-level meeting since 1979.
Pakistan's role as host drew broad international acclaim. US Vice President Vance said Pakistan had done an "amazing job" bridging the gap and facilitating the historic session. Both delegations met with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the Chief of Defense Forces, Field Marshal Asim Munir, during the summit.
The United Nations expressed "sincere appreciation" for Pakistan's role in managing the ceasefire and facilitating what it called the "Islamabad Process."
China hailed the talks as a "window of opportunity" for regional stability.
British High Commissioner Jane Marriott credited Pakistan's "quiet, effective" role in securing the initial ceasefire, while Australian envoy Timothy Kane cited Islamabad's "tireless efforts" to bring both sides to the table.
The European Union "saluted" Pakistan's leadership in creating a neutral ground for dialogue, and the chancellors of Germany, Italy, and Austria each called Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directly to offer congratulations.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi held a telephonic meeting with Sharif to express Tokyo's gratitude for Pakistan's peace-making efforts.
UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper appreciated Pakistan’s constructive role in promoting peace and stability in the region during a telephone call with Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.
A fragile two-week ceasefire remains in place but is set to expire around April 22. The United States has already announced contingency plans for a naval blockade of Iranian ports should the ceasefire collapse.
