PNN: Pakistan clarified on Thursday that it has no links with the Abraham Accords and does not intend to join the initiative, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi said.
Speaking at the weekly media briefing, Andrabi also dismissed reports suggesting Pakistan’s participation in the International Stabilization Force (ISF). He explained that the Board of Peace and the Stabilization Force are two separate frameworks, adding that Pakistan joined the Board of Peace under mutually agreed governmental arrangements.
Addressing regional tensions, particularly concerns about a potential conflict involving Iran, the spokesperson reiterated Pakistan’s longstanding position in favour of dialogue and peaceful solutions. He stressed that Pakistan does not support the use of force or economic sanctions and hopes for stability in the region.
On economic diplomacy, Andrabi said Pakistan maintains strong relations with European countries, with bilateral trade exceeding €12 billion. He acknowledged discussions related to India’s trade agreements with Europe, noting Pakistan’s continued engagement with European partners.
The spokesperson also shared details of President Asif Ali Zardari’s meeting with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, during which Abu Dhabi’s Supreme Council for Financial and Economic Affairs expressed interest in exploring new investment opportunities in Pakistan and reviewing ongoing projects. Both sides agreed to work jointly on flagship initiatives to boost investment and expand trade ties.
Highlighting recent diplomatic activity, Andrabi said Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held telephone conversations with his counterparts in Iran and Bangladesh this week to discuss regional developments, while delegation-level talks were also held with Ghana. President Zardari’s visit was described as a key step toward strengthening investment, trade, economic cooperation, and people-to-people exchanges.
He further noted that the Prime Minister attended the World Economic Forum in Davos, accompanied by Ishaq Dar, where meetings were held with several world leaders. Following the Davos visit, Ishaq Dar traveled to the UAE to discuss potential investment in Pakistan by telecommunications company Etisalat.
The spokesperson added that Ishaq Dar spoke twice this week with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to discuss the situation in Iran and the broader region.
Commenting on a US travel advisory for its citizens visiting Pakistan, Andrabi said Pakistan-US relations remain positive, noting that Washington has already withdrawn some previous advisories and that bilateral ties continue normally.
He also announced an upcoming visit by the President of Kazakhstan to Pakistan, adding that while there has been no progress yet on the proposed railway project, details of future memorandums of understanding will be shared in due course.