Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday received a telephone call from the Prime Minister of New Zealand, Christopher Luxon, during which the two leaders exchanged views on the evolving situation in the Middle East.

During the ‘warm and cordial conversation’, the prime minister briefed Prime Minister Luxon on Pakistan’s ongoing diplomatic outreach and efforts to promote peace and de-escalation in the region, a press release issued by the PM House said.

Luxon expressed deep appreciation for Pakistan’s constructive diplomatic initiatives, including its outreach to both Washington and Tehran, and conveyed his best wishes for the success of the mediation efforts.

Shehbaz thanked Luxon for his support and reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to advancing peace, dialogue, and stability in the region and beyond.

The two leaders also agreed to work together to strengthen Pakistan-New Zealand bilateral relations, while expressing their satisfaction at the cordial and friendly ties between the two countries.

In this regard, the two prime ministers lauded the role of the Pakistani diaspora in New Zealand.

At the end of the conversation, the prime minister extended a warm and cordial invitation to the Prime Minister of New Zealand to undertake an official visit to Pakistan at his earliest convenience.

Both leaders also agreed to remain in close contact in the days ahead.

Meanwhile, in his post on X, Shehbaz said the conversation was focused on Pakistan’s ongoing diplomatic outreach to promote peace and de-escalation in the Middle East.