Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has chaired a meeting with Pakistan’s ambassadors to Iran and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, according to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).

“During the meeting, the ambassadors briefed the prime minister on the current state of bilateral relations, emerging opportunities and challenges in their respective countries,” the PMO says in a post on X. “Issues relating to the strengthening economic diplomacy, enhancing trade and investment ties, remittances and [the] Pakistani diaspora, were discussed.”

According to the PMO, the premier emphasised the historic, economic and strategic importance of both the GCC countries and Iran in Pakistan’s foreign policy.

“He directed the Ambassadors to work proactively on enhancing bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, energy, people-to-people contacts, etc,” it adds.

“The meeting also included discussions on the regional and international situation, with particular focus on promoting peace, stability, and economic cooperation in the broader region.”