Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot have held a meeting on the sidelines of the R4+E3 moot in Istanbul, with the ongoing energy crisis among the topics discussed.

According to the Foreign Office (FO), both sides “exchanged views on current regional and international developments, including the wider economic and social repercussions of ongoing crises, particularly the impact on energy costs”.

“Both sides emphasised the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in addressing regional challenges and promoting peace and international cooperation,” the FO adds.

It further says that Barrot appreciated Pakistan’s role in promoting sustained engagement and advancing diplomatic efforts.