'Peace requires give and take': Vance, Shehbaz address summit ahead of US-Iran quadrilateral talks in Burgenstock

As talks between the United States and Iran kicked off in Burgenstock, Switzerland, with Qatar and Pakistan participating in a mediatory role, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif hoped for an outcome that would champion peace, progress and prosperity globally. Addressing the summit ahead of the quadrilateral talks, PM Shehbaz said he was looking forward to productive talks, and expressed satisfaction that the joint efforts of everyone in involved in the peace process had culminated in the meet in Burgenstock. The ‘technical-level’ talks today seek to iron out the details of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Tehran and Washington to cease hostilities and negotiate a framework to end the war. Under the agreement, the US and Iran have agreed on a framework to end the war, lift the US blockade of Iran and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Also on the table will be discussions about the unfreezing of Iranian assets and sale of Iranian oil. In a statement, the Qatari foreign ministry announced “the launch of the Lucerne Lake Summit and the first high-level committee meeting” between the four sides, which it hoped would “lead to reaching a comprehensive and permanent agreement that addresses all aspects covered by the Memorandum of Understanding.” The Qatari foreign ministry spokesman Dr Majed bin Mohammed Al-Ansari stated that “technical and specialised groups have been formed to negotiate the final agreement’s clauses, which will cover all aspects of the Memorandum of Understanding.” “Additionally, follow-up groups have been established to oversee the implementation of the memorandum and track the progress achieved toward reaching the final agreement, reflecting the commitment of all parties to proceed in the negotiation process in good faith and with the goal of reaching a comprehensive and sustainable agreement.” He emphasized that the State of Qatar, as one of the mediating countries, will continue to work with the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and all concerned