Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar says he discussed the “evolving situation in the Gulf and emphasised the importance of restraint, de-escalation, dialogue and diplomacy” with visiting Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani.

“We discussed the need to ensure the safety and freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab al-Mandab, given their importance to regional and global food and energy security,” Dar says at a joint press conference with the visiting dignitary.

For his part, Al Zayani has expressed Manama’s appreciation for Islamabad’s “principled positions on the ongoing crisis”, including its support in March for a United Nations Security Council resolution condemning Iranian attacks on GCC countries.

The minister also praises Pakistan’s “efforts alongside other partners to facilitate US-Iran dialogue and de-escalation, including by hosting the Islamabad Talks” in April.

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