Key Takeaways
- Defence Minister Khawaja Asif mocked UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband's sitting posture during a meeting.
- The criticism was made via social media, drawing significant attention.
- The meeting in Istanbul focused on regional and international developments.
Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has publicly criticized UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband for his sitting posture during an official meeting in Istanbul, sparking debate on diplomatic etiquette.
In a tweet on Saturday, Asif quoted a photo from the meeting, pointing out that the soles of Miliband's shoes were visible to those around him, which he deemed inappropriate for a formal setting.
Asif’s tweet quickly gained traction, with many social media users commenting on the incident and the broader implications of such behavior in diplomatic circles.
The meeting, which took place on Friday, was part of the R4 and E3 foreign ministers' gathering hosted by Türkiye. It brought together foreign ministers from Pakistan, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the UK, France, Germany, and Italy.
During the meeting, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Miliband discussed regional and international developments, with the UK Foreign Secretary praising Pakistan’s role in promoting regional peace.
Asif’s criticism highlighted the ongoing tensions between Pakistan and the UK, with the Defence Minister known for his blunt social media remarks and previous confrontations with foreign leaders.
Some social media users defended Miliband, suggesting that similar behavior from a Pakistani official would have drawn immediate criticism from body language and diplomatic etiquette experts.
The Istanbul meeting also included separate discussions between Dar and his counterparts from Germany, France, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Egypt, underscoring the complex diplomatic landscape in the region.
