ISLAMABAD: Christoph Hoerstel, Federal Chairman of The German Center, has praised Pakistan’s potential role in mediating the US-Iran dialogue, describing it as a “wonderful opportunity” for the country to demonstrate its diplomatic capabilities.
He made these remarks during a Pakistan TV programme, Beyond Borders.
Hoerstel recalled that Pakistan, some 30 years ago, was mentioned on the main page of China’s Ministry for Foreign Affairs as the only friend China had at that time. “Pakistan has very good working relationship with Western countries, we can see very clearly that this was a fantastic idea for Pakistan to enter into this reality.
It is a very important one, it is a strategic one. In fact, from my point of view, that was a glorious idea. I think Pakistan has the very best ability to carry this plan out,” he said.
Hoerstel referred to Oman’s previous attempt to mediate between the US and Israel, saying that while Oman was “very honestly constructive,” it was impossible to bridge the huge gap between the positions of the two sides.
“Positions of Iran and the US are so far away—it’s not a gap, that’s an abyss. Any mediator has of course a lot of structural and procedural adventures to master, and I do think Pakistan, with its history and vicinity to Afghanistan, and experience from the Soviet occupation, is very experienced in difficult points,” he added.
On the quadrilateral framework of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and Egypt, Hoerstel described it as “a strong block, not just symbolic.” “Saudi Arabia is the leading power of the Muslim world.
Turkiye is a NATO member and a bridge with Iran. Egypt is essential for issues like Palestine. These four countries are forwarding their own foreign policy issues, and they will set a clear example of joint policy towards peace under the host country, Pakistan,” he said.
Hoerstel said he expects a “very clear, very clear-cut type of action towards peace” under Pakistan’s leadership. “This is to my understanding right now not symbolic. It’s real practical policy and it can achieve goals,” Hoerstel added.
