“This is a victory for diplomacy and dialogue,” says Rizwan Saeed Sheikh in an interview with CNN
Pakistan’s ambassador to the United States, Rizwan Saeed Sheikh. Photo: screenshot
Pakistan’s ambassador to the United States, Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, said that Pakistan had been working diplomatically for weeks and that the successful announcement of the US-Iran ceasefire and the opening of negotiations were a direct result of these efforts.
In an exclusive interview with cnnSheikh spoke about the country’s diplomatic efforts to facilitate the US-Iran ceasefire agreement. “This is a victory for diplomacy and dialogue,” he said, noting that Pakistan has always prioritized positive diplomacy throughout its history.
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He expressed gratitude to all parties involved and stated, “We are grateful for the trust reposed in Pakistan by all parties.”
The ambassador further acknowledged the crucial role played by Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, Egypt, Qatar, China and other countries whose joint efforts paved the way for the ceasefire and subsequent negotiations.
“China has consistently urged all parties to adopt restraint and diplomacy from day one,” Sheikh said, underscoring the importance of China’s diplomatic influence in the process.
Sheikh also noted that Pakistan’s leaders had been directly involved in the negotiations, which contributed to the success of the diplomatic mission.
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He stressed the importance of confidentiality and stated that for negotiations to reach a decisive conclusion they must be free of external pressures. “The power of decision lies with the stakeholders,” he said, explaining that Pakistan’s role was primarily that of a facilitator.
Pakistan’s long-standing relations with the Gulf States were also highlighted, with Sheikh noting that nearly 5.5 million Pakistanis reside in these countries. “During the course of the ceasefire and diplomatic efforts, there have been continuous consultations with the leaders of the Gulf states,” he said.
The ambassador concluded with optimism and expressed hope that Pakistan’s “humble and sincere efforts” would yield positive results. “Peace and stability in the region will not only have a positive impact on the Gulf but also on global politics and economy,” he added.
