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In the early hours of Wednesday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced <\/a>that the US and Iran had agreed to an immediate ceasefire, bringing a temporary pause to the escalating conflict in the Middle East.<\/p>\n In his X post, the premier, who helped mediate the ceasefire, also invited delegations from both countries to Islamabad on April 10 to \u201chold further negotiations towards a conclusive agreement to settle all disputes\u201d.<\/p>\n Amid the hostilities, Pakistan has emerged as an active diplomatic player. In the past few weeks, Islamabad has hosted consultations with key regional countries, maintained back-channel contacts between Tehran and Washington, and worked closely with Beijing on a framework for de-escalation that includes calls for a ceasefire, dialogue, and protection of critical infrastructure.<\/p>\n Here is how global leaders reacted to the development.<\/p>\n UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed the US-Iran two-week ceasefire, his spokesperson said, while urging all parties to work toward long-term peace in the Middle East.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Secretary-General welcomes the announcement of a two-week ceasefire by the United States and Iran,\u201d his spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said in a statement.<\/p>\n He added that the UN chief \u201ccalls on all the parties to the current conflict in the Middle East to comply with their obligations under international law and to abide by the terms of the ceasefire in order to pave the way toward a lasting and comprehensive peace in the region.\u201d<\/p>\n The Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the ceasefire represented \u201ca very important opportunity that must be seized to make room for negotiations, diplomacy and constructive dialogue,\u201d Al Jazeera<\/em> reported.<\/p>\n The ministry said in a statement on X that the truce must be built upon with a full commitment to \u201cstopping military operations and respecting freedom of international navigation\u201d.<\/p>\n As per the statement, Egypt said that it will continue its efforts with Pakistan and Turkiye \u201cto promote security and stability in the region\u201d.<\/p>\n It added that the talks between the US and Iran \u201cmust take into account the legitimate security concerns\u201d of the Gulf nations.<\/p>\n \n <\/a>\n <\/p><\/blockquote>\n <\/span><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n Iraq\u2019s foreign ministry said it welcomed the two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran, calling for \u201cserious and sustainable dialogue\u201d between the nations.<\/p>\n The ministry \u201ccalls for building upon this positive step by launching serious and sustainable dialogue tracks that address the root causes of the disputes and strengthen mutual trust,\u201d it posted on social media.<\/p>\n German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul welcomed the two-week ceasefire, thanking \u201cespecially Pakistan\u201d for its role.<\/p>\n \u201cThis must be the decisive first step on the path toward lasting pacification, for the consequences of continuing the war would be incalculable,\u201d he said in a post on X.<\/p>\n \u201cGermany will support this path of diplomacy to the best of its ability,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n \n <\/a>\n <\/p><\/blockquote>\n <\/span><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n British High Commissioner to Pakistan Jane Marriott, taking to X, applauded Pakistan\u2019s role in the mediation efforts.<\/p>\n In a post on X, she said, \u201cThank you, Pakistan, for the quiet, effective, diplomatic role you have played in bringing about this vital ceasefire\u201d.<\/p>\n \n <\/a>\n <\/p><\/blockquote>\n <\/span><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim also welcomed the ceasefire and lauded Pakistan for its \u201ctireless and courageous diplomacy\u201d.<\/p>\n In a post on X, the prime minister said, Iran\u2019s 10-point proposal to end the war needed to be \u201ctranslated into a comprehensive peace deal, not just for Iran, but also for Iraq, Lebanon and Yemen\u201d.<\/p>\n He reiterated his support for Pakistan\u2019s diplomatic efforts, appreciating its \u201cwillingness to speak to all sides, without fear or favour\u201d.<\/p>\n Ibrahim added that Pakistan\u2019s efforts reflected \u201cthe highest traditions of Muslim solidarity and international responsibility\u201d.<\/p>\n \n <\/a>\n <\/p><\/blockquote>\n <\/span><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n Welcoming the ceasefire, New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters expressed appreciation to Pakistan, T\u00fcrkiye and Egypt for helping reach a resolution.<\/p>\n In a post on X, Peters said, \u201cNew Zealand welcomes the announcements by the United States and Iran over the past few hours \u2014 as we welcome all efforts to bring an end to this conflict\u201d.<\/p>\n \u201cWhile this is encouraging news, there remains significant important work to be done in the coming days to secure a lasting ceasefire,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n \u201cWe are grateful for the work of Pakistan, and others such as\u00a0Turkiye\u00a0and Egypt,\u00a0to seek to\u00a0find a solution to the crisis,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n \n <\/a>\n <\/p><\/blockquote>\n <\/span><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese welcomed the ceasefire as \u201cpositive\u201d.<\/p>\n Speaking to Sky News Australia<\/em>, Albanese welcomed news that the United States and Iran had agreed to a two-week ceasefire, barely an hour before Trump\u2019s deadline expired.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat we have called for is a de-escalation, and that is what has occurred, and that\u2019s a good thing,\u201d the Australian leader said.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is positive news. We\u2019ve been calling for a de-escalation for some time. We want to see a resolution of the conflict.\u201d<\/p>\n Australian High Commissioner Timothy Kane also congratulated Pakistan on its \u201ceffective diplomacy\u201d in the US-Iran ceasefire.<\/p>\n In a post on X, the Australian envoy said, \u201cCongratulations, Pakistan, on your effective diplomacy and efforts to bring peace! Australia wants to see the ceasefire upheld and a resolution to the conflict\u201d.<\/p>\n \n <\/a>\n <\/p><\/blockquote>\n <\/span><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev lauded Pakistan\u2019s diplomatic efforts.<\/p>\n In a post on X, the president\u2019s office said that the ceasefire was \u201creached with the mediation of Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff of Pakistan, Field Marshal Asim Munir\u201d.<\/p>\n \u201cThis agreement became possible due to the goodwill and wisdom of the President of the United States, Donald Trump and the senior leadership of Iran, as well as all countries involved in the military conflict,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n His office said that the president \u201cexpressed hope that the truce agreement will be long-lasting and will contribute to the development of global trade and the economic prosperity of all nations\u201d.<\/p>\n<\/a>UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres<\/h2>\n
<\/a>Egypt<\/h2>\n
<\/p>\n<\/a>Iraq<\/h2>\n
<\/a>Germany<\/h2>\n
<\/p>\n<\/a>UK High Commissioner<\/h2>\n
<\/p>\n<\/a>Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim<\/h2>\n
<\/p>\n<\/a>New Zealand<\/h2>\n
<\/p>\n<\/a>Australia<\/h2>\n
<\/p>\n<\/a>Kazakhstan<\/h2>\n