Negotiations between the US and Iran have officially begun in Switzerland, with Qatar and Pakistan playing key mediation roles in an effort to secure a long-term agreement between the two sides.

The talks are focused on transforming the existing memorandum of understanding into a comprehensive and durable agreement covering all major issues addressed by both countries, The Caspian Post reports via Al Jazeera.

A significant development from the negotiations is the creation of specialized technical working groups tasked with drafting the framework for a final agreement. Participants have also established monitoring teams responsible for overseeing compliance with the provisions of the memorandum.

Qatari officials expressed optimism that the discussions will lead to a lasting breakthrough, saying they hope the meetings will result in “a comprehensive and sustainable agreement covering all aspects addressed in the memorandum of understanding” between Washington and Tehran.