Pakistan and Qatar on Monday announced encouraging progress in efforts to implement the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding following the conclusion of the Lake Lucerne Summit in Bürgenstock Resort, where senior representatives from the United States and Iran held their first high-level talks under the agreement.
In a joint statement, the two mediators said the discussions were held in a “positive and constructive atmosphere” and resulted in the establishment of a mechanism for further technical negotiations.
The parties agreed to form a High-Level Committee to provide political oversight of the mediation process. Chief negotiators will report regularly to the committee while leading working groups on Iran’s nuclear programme, sanctions, and a monitoring and dispute resolution mechanism to oversee implementation of the memorandum.
The committee also approved a roadmap aimed at reaching a final agreement within 60 days, with technical talks set to begin immediately.
To reduce the risk of misunderstandings, the participants agreed to establish a direct communication channel for the duration of the process to help ensure the safe passage of commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.
The joint statement also announced the creation of a de-confliction cell, involving the parties and the Lebanon, facilitated by Pakistan and Qatar, to help maintain the cessation of military operations in Lebanon in line with the memorandum.
Technical negotiations will continue throughout the week at the Bürgenstock resort, while Pakistan and Qatar reaffirmed their commitment to facilitating a constructive dialogue aimed at securing a comprehensive and lasting agreement.