Islamabad, July 16 (SANA) Pakistan on Thursday urged the United States and Iran to end hostilities and resume negotiations under the memorandum of understanding brokered by Islamabad last month, warning that continued instability was disrupting global energy supplies and trade.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said Pakistan remained committed to encouraging both sides to return to technical discussions despite difficulties in implementing the agreement, according to Agence France-Presse (AFP).
“Although implementation of the memorandum of understanding faces challenges, Pakistan will continue to encourage all parties to end the violence and resume technical discussions in accordance with its provisions,” Andrabi told reporters.
He expressed hope that normal shipping through the Strait of Hormuz would be restored soon, stressing the need to ensure the safety, security and freedom of international navigation.
Andrabi said there was an “urgent need” to address the situation, warning that disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz were affecting global energy supplies, trade and food security, with developing countries bearing the brunt of the impact.
Iran and the United States resumed reciprocal military strikes on July 7 following attacks on vessels in the Gulf.
The renewed fighting undermined the memorandum of understanding signed in mid-June, which had been intended to halt hostilities. Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz again late last week, while U.S. President Donald Trump reimposed a blockade on Iranian ports.
N.J/ABD
