Dar, IAEA chief back MoU to defuse tensions

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held a telephone conversation with International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi to discuss the evolving regional situation and efforts to reduce tensions.

According to Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dar and Grossi spoke late Monday night and agreed that implementing the Islamabad memorandum of understanding (MoU) remained the most effective way to de-escalate the situation.

Grossi also offered technical assistance from the IAEA if required, the Foreign Office said.

During the conversation, Dar reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter. He also stressed the importance of international law and the fulfilment of treaty obligations.

The foreign minister underlined the key role of the UN system in promoting global peace, stability and development. He also expressed his best wishes to Grossi for his campaign for the position of UN secretary-general.

In a separate telephone conversation, Dar and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan also discussed bilateral ties and regional developments.

The two foreign ministers reaffirmed their shared position on Palestine and expressed support for measures targeting trade and services associated with illegal Israeli settlements.

They also backed a joint statement issued by eight Arab and Islamic countries regarding the United Kingdom’s decision to ban imports from illegal Israeli settlements.