Pakistan, China reaffirm support for diplomacy in Middle East

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and China on Wednesday reaffirmed their support for dialogue and diplomacy to achieve lasting peace in the Middle East and West Asia, the foreign ministry said.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar received Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong in Islamabad, where the two sides discussed regional developments and ongoing diplomatic efforts, according to a statement.

Dar underscored Pakistan’s continued commitment to promoting dialogue as the primary means of resolving conflicts and achieving stability in the region, the ministry said.

Ambassador Jiang conveyed China’s appreciation for Pakistan’s “constructive role” in advancing peace and security in the Middle East and the Gulf region.

Both sides expressed hope that ongoing diplomatic efforts would lead to durable peace and stability in the region, in the interest of all parties, the statement added.

Pakistan has been actively engaged in diplomatic efforts amid recent tensions in the Middle East, including facilitating contacts between key regional and global actors.

Earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian held a warm and cordial telephone conversation lasting more than 45 minutes, during which they discussed the ceasefire, upcoming negotiations and regional developments, according to a statement issued by the PM Office.

During the call, Prime Minister Sharif congratulated the Iranian leadership on agreeing to a ceasefire and praised their “wisdom and foresight” in opting for de-escalation.

Sharif also expressed respect for Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei and reiterated Pakistan’s support for efforts aimed at achieving lasting peace.

The Pakistani premier formally offered to host negotiations between Iran and the United States in Islamabad this week, an offer that was accepted by Iran.

President Pezeshkian thanked Sharif and praised Pakistan’s leadership for its role in facilitating the temporary ceasefire between Iran and the United States.

He also extended good wishes for the people of Pakistan and confirmed Iran’s participation in the upcoming talks in Islamabad, according to the sources.

The Iranian president welcomed efforts to pursue dialogue for sustainable peace and expressed hope that the negotiations would produce positive results.

Both leaders agreed to remain in close contact as the diplomatic process moves forward, the sources said.

The call comes amid ongoing efforts to stabilise the region following a ceasefire agreement between Iran and the United States, with Islamabad emerging as a key venue for talks aimed at securing a broader settlement.