ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and the European Union on Wednesday stressed that sustained diplomacy is the only viable path to end the US-Iran conflict and ensure lasting peace and stability in the region.
The understanding was reached during a meeting between Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the European Commission Kaja Kallas on the sidelines of the 33rd ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) in Manila.
Pakistan has expressed deep concern over the recent escalation in the Gulf region and urged all sides to exercise restraint and avoid actions that could further destabilise the region.
The Islamabad MoU, brokered by Pakistan, was signed in June to end hostilities between the two countries and pave the way for a lasting peace agreement to permanently end the conflict.
Under the MoU, the US and Iran committed to halt military operations, reopen the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping, and negotiate a comprehensive agreement covering Iran’s nuclear programme, US sanctions, and a permanent ceasefire within 60 days.
Ishaq Dar and Kaja Kallas, during the meeting, reaffirmed their commitment to deepening Pakistan-EU strategic engagement and expanding cooperation on regional security, trade and economic partnership, the Foreign Office said in a statement.
Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 met the European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice President of the European Commission, @KajaKallas, on the sidelines of the 33rd ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) in… pic.twitter.com/WhsRkGAwMB
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) July 22, 2026
“Kaja Kallas warmly recalled her recent bilateral visit to Islamabad for the 8th round of the Pakistan-EU Strategic Dialogue,” it said.
Exchanging views on regional developments, they underscored that sustained diplomacy remains the only viable and durable path to peace and stability, particularly in the context of the US-Iran situation.
“They also discussed its broader implications for regional security, global energy markets, maritime security, and trade and supply chains, emphasising the importance of continued dialogue and adherence to international law,” it said.
Ishaq Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the effective implementation of all international conventions underpinning the GSP+ framework and underscored the importance that Pakistan attaches to its economic partnership with the European Union.
Pakistan, Russia reaffirm commitment to strengthen cooperation in diverse fields
Earlier, the Deputy Prime Minister held a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Manila during which the two sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening cooperation in trade, energy, connectivity and other key areas, as well as enhancing coordination at multilateral forums.
Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 met with Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation Sergey Lavrov today in Manila, ahead of the 33rd ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Ministerial Meeting.
The two leaders reviewed Pakistan–Russia bilateral… pic.twitter.com/hZSj4Y5jiw
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) July 22, 2026
The two leaders reviewed Pakistan–Russia bilateral relations. They underscored the importance of sustained high-level engagement in advancing the Pakistan–Russia partnership.
They also exchanged views on key regional and international developments and agreed to remain in close contact.
Pakistan, Bangladesh agree to strengthen bilateral ties
Meanwhile, Ishaq Dar held a separate meeting with the Foreign Minister of Bangladesh and President-elect of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly, Khalilur Rehman, on the sidelines of the 33rd ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Ministerial Meeting in Manila.
Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 met Mr. Khalilur Rehman, Foreign Minister of Bangladesh and President-elect of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly, on the sidelines of the 33rd ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF)… pic.twitter.com/Be8Y7VJ6pX
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) July 22, 2026
The two leaders reviewed the positive momentum in Pakistan–Bangladesh relations, building on the renewed engagement following the Deputy Prime Minister’s visit to Bangladesh last year.
They reaffirmed their shared commitment to further strengthening bilateral ties and welcomed the growing cooperation between the two countries, including increased people-to-people exchanges and improved connectivity through the launch of direct flights earlier this year. They also exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual interest and agreed to sustain the positive trajectory in bilateral relations.
Deputy PM visits ADB Headquarters in Manila
Deputy Prime Minister on Wednesday visited the Headquarters of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in Manila.
The visit provided an opportunity to exchange views on the Asian Development Bank’s evolving development agenda, its partnership with Pakistan, and the important role being played by Pakistani professionals in advancing the Bank’s work across a broad range of sectors and regions.
Ishaq Dar held a productive meeting with ADB Vice President Yingming Yang, ADB Vice President Fatima Yasmin, ADB Director Generals and officials, along with Executive Director for Pakistan, Nashita Mohsin.
Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 visited the Headquarters of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in Manila today, where he was received by the Director General for the Central and West Asia Department, Ms. Leah Gutierrez. He signed the… pic.twitter.com/oDHmMLecqI
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) July 22, 2026
The two sides reaffirmed their more than six-decade-long Pakistan-ADB partnership and explored ways to further strengthen cooperation in infrastructure, climate resilience, regional connectivity, and sustainable economic growth.
Ishaq Dar appreciated ADB’s steadfast support for Pakistan’s development priorities and underscored the importance of continued collaboration.
He highlighted the Main Line-1 (ML-1) railway project as one of the Government’s flagship infrastructure initiatives and a priority of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
The ADB Vice Presidents reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to working closely with Pakistan to advance the project, recognizing its transformative role in modernizing Pakistan’s railway network, strengthening connectivity and supporting sustainable economic growth.
Also Read: Pakistan Deputy PM to Attend ASEAN Moot Amid US-Iran Escalation
The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar arrived in Manila on Tuesday to participate in the 33rd Asean Regional Forum (ARF) ministerial meeting, the Foreign Office (FO) said.
Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 arrived in Manila, Philippines, along with his delegation to participate in the 33rd ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Ministerial Meeting. A busy programme of engagements lies ahead, including participation… pic.twitter.com/gn3Jqqwifl
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) July 22, 2026
“A busy programme of engagements lies ahead, including participation in the ARF plenary meeting and bilateral meetings with counterparts on the sidelines,” the FO said in a post on the social media platform X.
In a statement issued on Tuesday night, the FO said that the high-level meeting will bring together foreign ministers and delegates from 27 ARF member states, adding that the ASEAN secretary-general will also attend the meeting.
It said that Dar will participate in discussions on “political and security issues affecting the Asia-Pacific region, with a special focus on promoting peace, stability, and mutual cooperation through sustained dialogue and diplomacy”.
