German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) spoke by phone with the Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif, on Thursday, according to Sebastian Hille, the Deputy Spokesperson of the Federal Government. During the call, the Chancellor thanked the Prime Minister for his efforts to mediate a ceasefire between the United States and Iran. Hille stated that both leaders discussed the situation in the Middle East and agreed that a lasting end to the conflict can only be achieved through diplomatic means. Furthermore, they both agreed to continue deepening the friendly relationship between Germany and Pakistan.
Earlier that afternoon, Merz announced plans to resume contact with the Iranian government. In a statement, he said, “After a long period of silence, for which there were serious reasons on our part, the federal government will now resume discussions with Tehran”. He added that the goal is to contribute to the success of upcoming negotiations through this channel.
Merz also called on Israel to cease its attacks in Lebanon. He explained, “The situation in southern Lebanon, the severity of the war Israel is waging there, could cause the entire peace process to fail, and that must not happen”. He noted that he had yesterday asked other heads of state and government to request that the Israeli government end its escalated attacks.