'Peace requires give and take': Vance, Shehbaz address summit opening ceremony ahead of US-Iran 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 ensure peace, progress and prosperity globally. Addressing the opening ceremony 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. He also praised Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Field Marshal Asim Munir for his consistent efforts, perseverence and patience. US Vice President JD Vance told the press that “peace requires give and take”. “This is a historic meet. Never before have Iranian and American leadership met at such a high level outside of Islamabad,” he said. Thanking US President Donald Trump “for empowering us to find a diplomatic solution”, Vance said a great deal had “already been accomplished” and the team looked forward to seeing “how much more we can accomplish together”. “Can we change relations in the Middle East, or do we go back to doing things the old way?” he said. “Where Iran and the Gulf have had an unfriendly relationship, or Iran has been a driver of regional instability, we see a future where everyone can work together to promote peace and prosperity for everyone.” Vance also shared appreciation for PM Shehbaz and CDF Munir, joking that he had “probably talked to Asim Munir more than anyone else over the last few months”. “If Iran is willing to give up nuclear weapon ambitions for the long term, the US is willing to transform relations with them,” he said. Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani also addressed the summit, thanking both the US and Iranian delegations for their efforts to make peace in the Middle East. “I think that everyone of you has highlighted how important and historic this is, not only on the security of the re