PM Shehbaz says Pakistan to host signing ceremony of US-Iran agreement in Geneva

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Monday that while the signing ceremony of an agreement reached between the US and Iran — which is aimed at ending a war that began three months ago — would be held in Geneva, it would be hosted by Pakistan.

At the outset of his speech, he said that today, the world had achieved a “historic milestone” of peace.

The premier said that a new dawn had emerged as “after three months and 16 days of tireless efforts, the US and Iran announced an immediate and permanent end to military action, including in Lebanon”.

The signing ceremony of this historic agreement will be held on Friday, June 19, in Geneva, PM Shehbaz said, adding that Pakistan will be “hosting” the ceremony. He congratulated the people of Pakistan, the international community and the members of the House.

He further thanked PML-N Supremo Nawaz Sharif “whose guidance was always available to me”. The premier also thanked President Asif Ali Zardari and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and other party heads.

“This is not an agreement between two countries, but it is the success of peace and dialogue — a diplomatic success,” the PM remarked, commending the top leadership of both countries.

He said that throughout the negotiation process, the leadership from both the US and Iran displayed patience and sense under difficult circumstances.

“As a result, the entire world has come to witness this great day,” he remarked.

More to follow ...