ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister of the Kingdom of the Netherlands Tom Berendsen has expressed his country’s support for Pakistan’s continued efforts to promote a diplomatic path toward lasting peace in the Middle East.
He made the remarks during a telephonic conversation with Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Mohammad Ishaq Dar, a Foreign Office statement said on Friday.
“They exchanged views on regional developments. Foreign Minister Berendsen commended Pakistan’s role in facilitating the ceasefire and conveyed support for its continued efforts to promote a diplomatic path toward lasting peace,” it said.
Both sides expressed concern over serious ceasefire violations in Lebanon and underscored the importance of ensuring full implementation of the ceasefire to achieve sustained peace.
“Reaffirming strong Pakistan–Netherlands relations, both sides expressed their resolve to further strengthen cooperation in trade, economic, and investment sectors,” the statement added.
Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 received a call today from the Foreign Minister of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Tom Berendsen @MinisterBZ.
They exchanged views on regional developments. Foreign Minister Berendsen commended… pic.twitter.com/Vuj3erOp7G
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) April 10, 2026
Trump ‘optimistic’ about US-Iran deal
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump told NBC News on Thursday he was “very optimistic” about a peace deal with Iran after the Pakistan-brokered ceasefire paved the way for the high-stakes US-Iran talks in Islamabad.
Trump told the US broadcaster in a telephone interview that Iran’s leaders were “much more reasonable” in private but added that “if they don’t make a deal, it’s going to be very painful.”
Pakistan set to host US-Iran talks
Pakistan is set to host high-stakes negotiations between the United States and Iran this weekend after Islamabad’s intensive diplomatic efforts achieved a two-week ceasefire.
The US and Iranian delegations will arrive in Islamabad on Friday, with formal negotiations scheduled for Saturday.
The talks mark a pivotal moment in efforts to de-escalate a conflict that had threatened to engulf the wider Middle East, with Pakistan now positioned at the centre of global diplomacy.
On Wednesday, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that delegations from Washington and Tehran will arrive in Islamabad following the breakthrough ceasefire.
PM Sharif said the aim is to “further negotiate for a conclusive agreement to settle all disputes”.
