The leaders of the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Germany, Canada, Denmark, the Netherlands, Spain, Japan, the European Commission and the European Council issued a joint statement on Wednesday, April 8, thanking Pakistan for its role in brokering the two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran.
“We thank Pakistan and all partners involved for facilitating this important agreement,” the statement read. The leaders called for “quick progress towards a substantive negotiated settlement” and urged all sides to implement the ceasefire, including in Lebanon. The statement also committed the signatory governments to ensuring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
Turkey, China, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and UN Praise Pakistan’s Ceasefire Mediation
Turkey’s foreign ministry issued a statement emphasizing the “necessity of the full implementation of the temporary ceasefire on the ground” and expressed its expectation that all parties would adhere to the agreement. Turkey was part of the quadrilateral diplomatic bloc alongside Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Egypt that held talks in Islamabad on March 29 in a coordinated push to end the hostilities.
China’s Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said at a press conference on Wednesday that China welcomed the ceasefire agreement. Beijing had earlier co-authored a five-point peace initiative with Pakistan on March 31 calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities and humanitarian access across the region.
Saudi Arabia’s foreign ministry welcomed the ceasefire and urged an end to attacks on countries in the region. Riyadh called for the Strait of Hormuz to be reopened and expressed hope that the truce would lead to a comprehensive and sustainable resolution.
Egypt’s foreign ministry called the ceasefire a critical opportunity that must be seized to make room for negotiations and constructive dialogue. Cairo said it would continue efforts with Pakistan and Turkey to promote security and stability in the region.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called on all parties to abide by the ceasefire terms to pave the way toward lasting peace. He expressed sincere appreciation for the efforts of Pakistan and other countries involved in facilitating the truce.
Pakistan’s Mediation Role in the US-Iran Ceasefire
The ceasefire was announced less than two hours before President Trump’s deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face strikes on civilian infrastructure. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir brokered the deal after weeks of backchannel diplomacy involving direct calls with Vice President JD Vance, special envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
Trump credited both Pakistani leaders in his Truth Social post announcing the ceasefire. Araghchi also expressed gratitude to Sharif and Munir for their efforts to end the war.
Sharif has invited both delegations to Islamabad for further negotiations, with the first round of talks scheduled for Saturday, April 11. Vice President Vance will lead the US delegation, joined by Witkoff and Jared Kushner. Iran’s delegation is expected to be led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf and Foreign Minister Araghchi.
