Prime Ministers Anwar Ibrahim and Shehbaz Sharif call for diplomacy and respect for sovereignty amid escalating US-Israel-Iran tensions.
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his Pakistani counterpart Shehbaz Sharif have expressed deep concern over the escalating conflict in the Middle East.
The leaders held a phone conversation following recent attacks by the United States and Israel on Iran, and Iran’s subsequent missile strikes.
“We shared deep concern over the escalating situation in the Middle East following Israel’s attacks on Iran and the subsequent strikes on brotherly Gulf countries,” Shehbaz said in a post on X.
He added that he emphasised the need to respect sovereignty and the urgent requirement for restraint and diplomacy.
The Pakistani premier also briefed Anwar on recent developments regarding Afghanistan and Pakistan’s counter-terrorism efforts.
Both leaders agreed to remain in close contact to coordinate efforts for regional peace and stability.
Meanwhile, Anwar also spoke with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
A statement from the Turkish Presidency said the leaders discussed bilateral relations and global developments.
President Erdogan noted that Turkiye is closely monitoring the conflict that began in Iran and has spilled across the region.
The statement warned that if the conflict continues, the whole region may be dragged into more problems.
The ongoing hostilities have already disrupted regional air traffic and shipping, raising risks to global energy and food supplies.
