China urges Pakistan to intensify peace diplomacy

ISLAMABAD: China has asked Pakistan to continue its mediation efforts and help address issues linked to the opening of the Strait of Hormuz, China’s state-run Xinhua news agency reported.

The request came during a telephone conversation between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar a day earlier, as both sides discussed regional tensions and diplomatic efforts involving Iran and the United States.

Wang, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, praised Pakistan’s diplomatic engagement in facilitating contacts between Iran and the United States. He said those efforts had helped prolong a temporary ceasefire and reduce tensions in the region.

Wang expressed the hope that Pakistan would remain confident and continue playing a role in restoring peace in the region at an early stage, describing that objective as a shared aspiration of the international community.

Dar, in turn, briefed Wang on Pakistan’s recent efforts to facilitate talks between Tehran and Washington and thanked China for backing Islamabad’s push for dialogue. He also expressed the hope of enhancing coordination with Beijing so that both countries could jointly contribute to regional peace and stability.

Wang reaffirmed China’s principled position and again praised Pakistan for helping facilitate US-Iran contacts. He said Beijing would continue supporting Pakistan’s mediation efforts and would also make its own contribution toward that objective.

Strait of Hormuz and regional stability

The two foreign ministers also reviewed wider regional developments and underscored the importance of stability and uninterrupted maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy route.

They also discussed preparations for the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China. Both sides agreed to deepen strategic communication, increase high-level exchanges, and further advance the all-weather strategic cooperative partnership.

The two countries also reaffirmed their commitment to closer coordination in multilateral forums, including the United Nations, and to jointly uphold multilateralism amid global uncertainty.

The contact between Wang and Dar took place ahead of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s upcoming visit to Beijing.

Dar speaks with Kuwaiti foreign minister

In a separate telephone conversation on Wednesday, Dar spoke with Kuwait’s Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, a Foreign Office statement said.

The statement said the Kuwaiti foreign minister appreciated the peace efforts undertaken by Pakistan’s political and military leadership, including the prime minister and field marshal, in promoting dialogue and engagement between the United States and Iran. He also commended Pakistan’s constructive role in supporting regional peace and stability.

Both ministers discussed the broader economic implications of the situation surrounding the Strait of Hormuz and stressed the need for a peaceful and lasting resolution of ongoing regional tensions.

Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to supporting diplomatic efforts aimed at preserving peace and stability in the region and beyond. He also conveyed Pakistan’s desire to remain in close coordination with friendly countries, including Kuwait, on evolving regional developments.