Allen John
Cairo: Pakistan emerged as a prominent supporter of the Gaza ceasefire plan as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif represented the country at the Sharm el-Sheikh Peace Summit on Monday, where world leaders gathered to endorse the landmark peace agreement.
During his address, Trump thanked several world leaders for their roles in the peace process, making special mention of Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, referring to the latter as “my favourite Field Marshal.”
Spotting the Pakistani premier among the assembled leaders, Trump invited him to the stage to deliver remarks. “I genuinely feel President Trump is the most wonderful candidate for the Nobel Peace Prize because he has not only brought peace in South Asia but today achieved peace in Gaza and saved millions of lives,” Shehbaz said.
Trump, visibly moved, quipped: “Wow! I didn’t expect that. Let’s go home, there’s nothing more I have to say. That was beautifully delivered.”
Lighter Moments: Meloni and Starmer in the Spotlight
The Gaza ceasefire deal appeared to put Trump in a buoyant mood as he bantered with world leaders during the press conference.
Speaking of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Trump called her “beautiful” — a remark that drew amused smiles from the audience.
“I’m not allowed to say that in the US because it could end your political career,” he said. “But I’ll take my chances — you don’t mind being called beautiful, right? Because you are.”
Trump went on to describe Meloni as “incredible” and “a respected leader” admired across Italy.
By contrast, his brief exchange with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer was less cordial. Looking around the stage, Trump asked, “United Kingdom — where’s the United Kingdom?”
Starmer raised his hand and stepped forward for a handshake, but Trump quickly turned back to the podium without inviting him to speak, creating a brief, awkward moment before the British premier returned to his place among other attendees.
A “Turning Point” for the Region
Earlier, Trump had joined leaders from Egypt, Qatar, and Turkiye in signing the Gaza Peace Declaration — a multilateral agreement aimed at consolidating the newly brokered ceasefire and establishing a framework for reconstruction and long-term stability in Gaza.
“This is not just a ceasefire, it’s a turning point,” Trump said. “The world has seen enough suffering — now we’re seeing hope.”
The summit, attended by over two dozen world leaders, marked one of the most significant diplomatic efforts since the start of Israel’s 2023 military campaign in Gaza, which claimed more than 67,000 lives.
