Canada backs Pakistan’s peace push as Sharif, Carney discuss Iran-US talks

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif received a telephone call from Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Monday evening, the Prime Minister’s Office said.

“During their warm and cordial conversation, the Canadian Prime Minister congratulated Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Pakistan’s peace efforts that culminated in the temporary ceasefire and led to the recently held talks between the United States and Iran, hosted by Pakistan,” the statement said.

“While appreciating Canada’s endorsement and support for Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts, the prime minister highlighted that the US-Iran negotiations were an important step towards peace and assured that Pakistan would continue with its efforts to urge both parties to maintain the ceasefire and make meaningful progress towards de-escalation and regional peace and stability,” it added.

The weekend’s Islamabad Talks – which ended without a peace deal – marked the first direct, face-to-face negotiations between the United States and Iran at the highest level since the Iranian Revolution, a gap of 47 years.

The two leaders also exchanged views on Pakistan-Canada bilateral relations and expressed their desire to work together to enhance cooperation in agriculture, clean energy, mines and minerals, as well as boosting Canadian investments in Pakistan.

Sharif reiterated his invitation to Carney to undertake an official visit to Pakistan at his convenience.

Both leaders agreed to maintain close coordination.