Leaders of the European Union, several European countries, and Japan issued a joint statement welcoming the two-week ceasefire reached between the United States and Iran.

Axar.az reports that the statement also thanked Pakistan and all partners involved for facilitating the agreement.

The leaders emphasized that the main goal now is to negotiate a swift and lasting end to the war in the coming days, achievable only through diplomatic means.

“We strongly encourage quick progress toward a substantive negotiated settlement. This will be crucial to protect the civilian population of Iran and ensure security in the region. It can avert a severe global energy crisis. We support these diplomatic efforts and are in close contact with the United States and other partners. We call upon all sides, including in Lebanon, to implement the ceasefire. Our governments will contribute to ensuring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz,” the statement said.

It should be noted that the United States and Iran agreed on the two-week ceasefire yesterday.