China praises Pakistan's peace diplomacy as Wang Yi meets Dar

NEW YORK: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Thursday lauded Pakistan’s continued efforts to promote dialogue and diplomacy amid ongoing negotiations between Iran and the United States, reaffirming Beijing’s appreciation for Islamabad’s constructive role in regional peace efforts.

According to a statement issued by Pakistan’s Foreign Office, Wang Yi met Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar in New York, where the two leaders exchanged views on recent regional developments and efforts aimed at ensuring sustained peace and stability through diplomacy.

“Foreign Minister Wang Yi reiterated appreciation and support for Pakistan’s constructive role,” the Foreign Office statement said.

The two sides also recalled Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s recent visit to China and the celebrations marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China, underscoring the enduring friendship and strategic partnership between the two countries.

The meeting came as diplomatic engagement intensified over efforts to ease tensions in the Middle East and secure a peaceful resolution to the Iran-US dispute.

Dar to visit Washington for talks with Marco Rubio

Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar is scheduled to travel to Washington, DC on Sunday for an official visit, where he is expected to meet US Secretary of State and National Security Adviser Marco Rubio.

The discussions are expected to focus on bilateral relations as well as regional and global developments of mutual interest.

Pakistan, Turkmenistan agree to expand regional cooperation

Separately, Dar also met Turkmenistan’s Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov on the sidelines of the Group of Friends meeting at the United Nations Headquarters.

According to the Foreign Office, the two leaders reviewed bilateral relations and reaffirmed their commitment to expanding cooperation across multiple sectors.

The ministers discussed enhancing collaboration in trade, investment, agriculture, energy, transport and regional connectivity.

Dar highlighted Pakistan’s readiness to export high-quality meat and agricultural products to Turkmenistan.

Both sides also emphasised the importance of strengthening regional transit and connectivity through rail, road, air and sea links to facilitate trade, commerce and people-to-people exchanges.

The two ministers further exchanged views on regional and international developments and reaffirmed their commitment to deepening coordination at multilateral forums, including the United Nations.

Dar calls for de-escalation at UNSC debate

Dar visited New York at the invitation of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to participate in the United Nations Security Council Open Debate titled “Maintenance of International Peace and Security: Upholding the Purposes and Principles of the UN Charter and Strengthening the UN-Centred International System.”

The debate, held on May 26 under China’s presidency of the Security Council, focused on rising tensions in the Middle East and the need for restraint and de-escalation.

Addressing the 15-member Security Council, Dar stressed that the principle of peaceful settlement should apply equally to all longstanding disputes on the Council’s agenda.

“The entire world is watching. We must succeed in the interest of regional and global peace and security,” Dar said.

“As a friendly neighbour of Iran and brotherly countries of the Gulf, Pakistan consistently stands for restraint, de-escalation and a return to diplomacy,” he added.

Referring to his recent visit to Beijing, Dar noted that Pakistan and China had jointly announced a five-point initiative aimed at promoting peace and stability in the Gulf and Middle East.

“Another prolonged conflict would serve no one,” the foreign minister warned. “It would endanger regional peace, disrupt global energy flows, deepen humanitarian suffering and strain an already fragile international order.”