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Several European leaders and Canada PM Mark Carney welcome the ceasefire deal between the U.S. and Iran. In a joint statement, the leaders said that the goal must now be to negotiate a “swift and lasting” end to the war, calling all sides for the implementation of the ceasefire, “including in Lebanon”.

The statement was signed by French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian PM Georgia Meloni, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, U.K. PM Keir Starmer, Canada PM Carney, Denmark PM Mette Frederiksen, Netherlands PM Rob Jetten, Spain PM Pedro Sanchez, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and President of the European Council Antonio Costa.

Here is the full statement:

“We welcome the two-week ceasefire concluded between the United States and Iran today. 

We thank Pakistan and all partners involved for facilitating this important agreement.

The goal must now be to negotiate a swift and lasting end to the war within the coming days. This can only be achieved through diplomatic means.

We strongly encourage quick progress towards 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. To this end, we are in close contact with the United States and other partners. Goal 

We call upon all sides to implement the ceasefire, including in Lebanon.

Our Governments will contribute to ensuring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

This statement is open to other partners.”

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