Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said aggression against Iran and the violation of its sovereignty and territorial integrity earlier this year created a major crisis in the Middle East. Speaking on Tuesday at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, he said diplomacy was the only sustainable route out of the crisis.

Sharif said the regional turmoil had closed or disrupted transport routes, severely affecting global livelihoods and economic activity. Pakistan and many other countries were facing negative consequences, he added. He said Pakistan firmly supported peace and would continue its role in mediation and in sincerely facilitating reconciliation.

The prime minister said implementation of the Islamabad memorandum would make an important contribution to peace and stability. Addressing a joint defence agreement signed by Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey, he said it was defensive in nature and was not directed against any country or intended to cause conflict or division. Sharif also voiced deep concern over worsening conditions in Gaza and the West Bank, calling for an end to the war against Palestinians and for international commitments to support them to be fulfilled.