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Russia praises Pakistan for facilitating US-Iran talks as two countries discuss rescheduling PM’s visit

By The South Asia Times

ISLAMABAD - Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Friday praised Pakistan for its constructive role in facilitating dialogue between the United States and Iran, as the two countries discussed rescheduling Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s postponed visit to Moscow.

The development came during a telephone conversation between Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar and his Russian counterpart, according to a statement from Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Foreign Minister Lavrov “appreciated Pakistan’s constructive role in facilitating dialogue between Iran and the United States,” the statement read. The Russian acknowledgment marks a significant diplomatic endorsement of Islamabad’s emergence as a key mediator in the regional crisis.

The US-Israel airstrikes on Iran on February 28 triggered a sharp escalation in tensions, prompting Pakistan to step in as an intermediary. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and military leadership successfully brokered a ceasefire that has since been extended, with two rounds of peace talks held in Islamabad.

The phone call also addressed the rescheduling of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to Russia, which was originally planned for March 3 to 5 but was cancelled following the outbreak of hostilities. Both leaders agreed to arrange the visit at an early mutually convenient date.

Dar underscored Pakistan’s resolve to “continue contributing to efforts aimed at promoting dialogue and diplomacy to resolve all issues,” while reiterating the importance of maintaining regular high-level engagements between Islamabad and Moscow.

The deputy prime minister also extended an invitation to Foreign Minister Lavrov to visit Pakistan. Both sides agreed to remain in touch regarding future diplomatic coordination.