Both sides express concern about wider implications for the global economy, particularly for developing countries
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar held a telephone conversation with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong on Sunday, April 20, 2026.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, in a phone call Monday with Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, praised Pakistan’s “constructive role” in facilitating dialogue between Iran and the United States and its continued engagement in diplomatic efforts, the Foreign Office said.
According to the statement, the two counterparts discussed Pakistan’s diplomatic engagement and regional developments. Briefing the Australian Foreign Minister on the Islamabad talks held earlier, Dar reiterated Pakistan’s resolve to “continue to encourage dialogue and constructive engagement.”
“The two leaders expressed concern about the wider implications for the global economy, particularly for developing countries, and stressed the importance of peaceful resolution of conflicts,” the statement concluded.
Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50held a telephone conversation with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong @SenatorWong.
FM Wong expressed his appreciation for the efforts of the DPM/FM as well as Pakistan’s constructive role in… pic.twitter.com/pFNZyz6LNm
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) 20 April 2026
Islamabad is preparing to host the second round of Iran-US talks after Washington confirmed that a high-level delegation led by US Vice President JD Vance will arrive in Pakistan this week.
The visit comes amid heightened regional tensions and renewed diplomatic activity aimed at preventing further escalation in the Gulf, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy route.
Read: Trump sends negotiators to Islamabad Round 2
But the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) said Iran has rejected participation in the second round of US-Iran talks scheduled to be held in Islamabad, citing what it described as Washington’s “excessive demands”, shifting positions and the ongoing naval blockade as key reasons for its decision.
State media reported that Tehran would not participate in the dialogue following US President Donald Trump’s announcement that US representatives would arrive in Islamabad for talks on Monday. The development comes after an earlier round of marathon 21-hour talks held in Islamabad on April 12 ended without a breakthrough, despite both sides describing the engagement as intensive and acknowledging Pakistan’s facilitation efforts.
Pakistan emerged as a key facilitator in the sensitive diplomatic track, positioning itself as an “honest broker” amid sharply polarized positions between Washington and Tehran. While the first round underscored deep disagreements over sanctions, maritime security and regional influence, officials suggest both sides have so far kept the channel open, even as public rhetoric has hardened ahead of the next phase of talks.
Read more: Twinning universities go online ahead of expected Iran-US talks
The two leaders also expressed concern about the wider implications of ongoing geopolitical tensions on the global economy, particularly for developing countries, and stressed the importance of resolving conflicts through peaceful means and sustained diplomatic engagement.
The talk comes as Pakistan continues to position itself as a facilitator of dialogue amid rising regional and global tensions, including concerns over economic stability and energy market disruptions.
