Pakistan on Wednesday welcomed the possible inclusion of additional countries in the Makkah Agreement, saying the pact is purely defensive in nature and aimed at promoting peace and stability in the region.

Speaking at a weekly press briefing in Islamabad, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said that under the Makkah Agreement, an attack on one member state will be considered an attack on all participating countries.

He described the August 7 Makkah Summit as highly significant, saying the agreement represented an important development in relations among the three countries and reflected their commitment to regional peace and stability.

Andrabi said Pakistan had played a key role in the finalisation of the Makkah Agreement, which he described as important for the security of all three countries.

“Pakistan would welcome the participation of additional countries in the agreement,” he said.

The spokesperson rejected any negative perception or interpretation of the Makkah agreement.

The spokesperson said Islamabad continued to work for peace in the region despite prevailing challenges.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar had spoken with the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Iran and Kuwait, while he also held talks with Bahrain’s foreign minister on August 11.

The spokesperson said Bahrain’s foreign minister had expressed his intention to visit Pakistan following a telephone conversation with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar on August 11.

Dar welcomed the proposed visit and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to dialogue and diplomacy.

The Bahraini foreign minister also congratulated Pakistan on the Makkah Agreement, Andrabi said.

Pakistan hopeful of US-Iran talks

Andrabi said Pakistan remained hopeful about its role as a mediator in efforts to facilitate negotiations between Iran and the United States.

He said the government had made its position clear regarding the Islamabad MoU between the two countries.

He said that although the Islamabad MoU might not have been fully implemented, the parties would return to negotiations whenever “the rationality of dialogue” overcame the logic of escalation.

Pakistan, he added, would continue using direct and indirect channels to offset spoilers and facilitate constructive dialogue on outstanding issues.

Andrabi said Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi was currently visiting Iran and had held meetings with the Iranian leadership, where peace and bilateral relations were discussed.

However, he said details of the discussions or messages exchanged during those meetings could not be disclosed.

Pakistan has also invited Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf to visit the country, he said.

The spokesperson said Pakistan and friendly countries supported talks between Oman and Iran, adding that any agreement concerning the Strait of Hormuz would be of major significance.

He expressed hope that direct talks between Iran and the United States would begin soon despite the difficulties.

Asked about changes in Iran’s military leadership, Andrabi said it was an internal matter for Tehran and Pakistan would not comment on it.

Pakistan condemns Houthi attack

Andrabi condemned the Houthi attack on a commercial vessel in the Bab El Mandeb Strait, describing the incident as regrettable.

He said risks to shipping in the Red Sea had increased and Pakistan was closely monitoring the situation.

Pakistan supports free and safe navigation in international waters and is ready to fulfil its responsibilities in this regard, he added.

Pak-Iran border

On the Pakistan-Iran border, Andrabi said Islamabad ensured effective border controls and followed the same policy with Iran.

He welcomed Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian’s statement during the US-Iran war that Iran would not allow any miscreant to enter its territory through the Pakistan-Iran border.

“We welcome and appreciate the Iranian president’s statement,” he said.

Saudi-US nuclear agreement

On the US-Saudi Arabia civil nuclear agreement, Andrabi said Pakistan was reviewing the accord.

He said Pakistan respected and supported Saudi Arabia’s right to peaceful nuclear energy, but would issue a detailed statement after the full details of the agreement became available.