European Council President Antonio Costa has commended Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to promote peace and stability in the Middle East, emphasizing that dialogue and diplomacy remain the only viable path to regional stability.
Phone Call with PM Shehbaz
Costa conveyed his support during a telephone conversation with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday. The leaders discussed the ongoing hostilities in the Middle East, agreeing that sustained diplomatic engagement is essential to end the conflict.
PM Shehbaz shared details of Pakistan’s active mediation efforts and highlighted the country’s role as an intermediary between Iran and the United States amid the ongoing war.
In a post on X, the Prime Minister stated:
“We exchanged views on the ongoing hostilities in the Middle East and agreed that dialogue and diplomacy must prevail in order to restore regional peace and stability.”
Received a telephone call from H.E. António Costa, President of the European Council, this afternoon.
We exchanged views on the ongoing hostilities in the Middle East and agreed that dialogue and diplomacy must prevail in order to restore regional peace and stability.
I…
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) March 30, 2026
Pakistan–EU Relations
The conversation also touched upon broader Pakistan–EU relations, including the importance of GSP+ status for trade. PM Shehbaz mentioned the upcoming Pakistan–EU Business Forum, scheduled for the end of April in Islamabad, as a platform to strengthen economic ties.
He added that he looks forward to visiting Brussels and conveyed good wishes for EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
Pakistan Hosts Saudi, Turkish, and Egyptian FMs for Middle East De-escalation Talks
Pakistan’s Mediation Efforts
Pakistan has actively facilitated communication between Iran and the United States, including direct contacts involving Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and COAS Field Marshal Asim Munir with US President Donald Trump, as confirmed by the White House.
On Sunday, Islamabad hosted a quadrilateral meeting on the Middle East conflict with foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and Egypt. Following the meeting, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar stated that Pakistan is prepared to host potential Iran-US talks, with both sides expressing confidence in Islamabad’s mediation role.
EU Support for Peace Initiatives
Good call today with the Prime Minister of Pakistan @CMShehbaz Sharif to hear his assessment on the Iran war, as well as the outcome of the recent consultations between the Foreign Ministers of Egypt, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye held in Islamabad.
The EU…
— António Costa (@eucopresident) March 30, 2026
The European Council President expressed concern over the prolonged conflict and its global repercussions. He reiterated that the EU supports all mediation efforts and underlined that only dialogue and diplomacy, respecting UN Charter and international law, can restore peace and stability in the Middle East.
