ISLAMABAD: South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, appreciated Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts in helping achieve a temporary US-Iran ceasefire and extended support for Islamabad’s role in promoting regional stability.
The South African top diplomat said this during a telephone conversation with Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, according to a statement issued by Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday
During the telephone conversation, both sides discussed the latest developments in the Middle East and the broader region.
The top diplomats reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening Pakistan–South Africa relations, emphasising the importance of high-level exchanges in this regard.
DPM/FM Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 held a telephone conversation today with South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola @RonaldLamola.
They discussed latest developments in the Middle East and the broader region. Minister Lamola… pic.twitter.com/CAzz3kH5zV
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) April 9, 2026
Pakistan prepares to host US–Iran talks
Pakistan is set to host high-stakes negotiations between the US and Iran this weekend, as a two-week ceasefire — brokered through Islamabad’s intensive diplomatic efforts — entered its second day on Thursday.
Delegations are expected to 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.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday said that delegations from Washington and Tehran will arrive in Islamabad for talks.
PM Sharif said the aim is to “further negotiate for a conclusive agreement to settle all disputes”.
JD Vance to lead US negotiation team
The United States delegation will be led by Vice President JD Vance, underscoring the significance Washington attaches to the Islamabad talks.
According to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, the delegation will also include Special Envoy for the Middle East Steve Witkoff and senior adviser Jared Kushner.
“The first round of those talks will take place on Saturday morning local time, and we look forward to those in-person meetings,” Leavitt said during a press briefing.
She emphasised Vance’s central role in the diplomatic process:
“Vice President Vance has played a very significant and key role in this since the very beginning… he’s been involved in all of these discussions and will be leading this new phase of negotiations in Islamabad.”
Pakistan and Iran delegations confirmed
Pakistani government sources said Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar will represent Pakistan in the negotiations.
Iran is expected to be represented by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, signalling Tehran’s serious engagement in what is being seen as a decisive diplomatic opening.
Ceasefire brokered by Pakistan
The negotiations follow a critical breakthrough earlier this week, when both the United States and Iran agreed to a two-week ceasefire just hours before a major escalation deadline.
The agreement came after direct engagement between Pakistan’s leadership — including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir — and senior officials in Washington and Tehran.
US President Donald Trump announced a suspension of military action after accepting Pakistan’s proposal for a pause in hostilities.
“I agree to suspend the bombing and attack of Iran for a period of two weeks. This will be a double-sided ceasefire,” Trump said.
Iran swiftly issued a reciprocal confirmation, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi acknowledging Pakistan’s role and signalling readiness for negotiations.
