ISLAMABAD: Pakistan said on Wednesday a memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran aimed at ending months of conflict would be signed in Bürgenstock, Switzerland, on Friday, offering the clearest official indication yet of the venue for a deal Islamabad says it helped facilitate.
The disclosure came in a statement issued after Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held a telephone conversation with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, as Pakistan continues diplomatic outreach following its mediation efforts between Washington and Tehran.
While Pakistan has said the signing ceremony will be hosted by Islamabad, the government has so far remained tight-lipped about the official delegation that will attend the signing ceremony.
“Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 held a telephone conversation with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty,” Pakistan’s foreign ministry said in a social media post.
“The two leaders exchanged views on the recent understandings reached between the United States and Iran and the forthcoming signing of the Memorandum of Understanding in Bürgenstock, Switzerland, on Friday,” it added.
The United States and Iran are expected to launch negotiations on a final settlement immediately after the signing ceremony, with talks scheduled to continue over a 60-day period covering issues including Iran’s nuclear program, sanctions relief and broader regional security arrangements.
Pakistan has helped facilitate contacts between Washington and Tehran during the conflict that began after US and Israeli military operations against Iran on Feb. 28.
The diplomatic activity has intensified in recent days, with Dar holding detailed discussions with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Tuesday and Saudi Arabia’s cabinet welcoming the US-Iran agreement and publicly acknowledging the mediation efforts of Pakistan and Qatar.
Details of the memorandum itself have not been officially released by Washington or Tehran. However, media reports have said the framework agreement would formalize a ceasefire, reopen the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping and launch negotiations on a final accord.
Bloomberg reported on Wednesday that a draft memorandum envisages a 60-day negotiating period, while Reuters reported that discussions linked to the agreement include plans for a $300 billion private-sector investment fund intended to support Iran’s economic recovery if a final settlement is reached.
