Pakistani, Canadian premiers discuss US-Iran talks, ceasefire efforts

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Monday discussed recent US-Iran talks.

Sharif described the negotiations as "an important step towards peace" and said Pakistan would continue urging both sides to maintain the ceasefire and "make meaningful progress towards de-escalation and regional peace and stability," according to his office.

Carney praised Pakistan’s role in facilitating the temporary ceasefire and talks, the statement said.

The two leaders also discussed bilateral ties and agreed to expand cooperation in agriculture, clean energy, mining, and investment. Sharif invited Carney to visit Pakistan, and both agreed to maintain close coordination.

Washington and Tehran, which agreed on a two-week ceasefire last week, held rare direct talks Saturday in Islamabad to end the war that began on Feb. 28, but the discussions ended early Sunday without an agreement.