China calls on Pakistan to increase mediation efforts to address issues related to the Strait of Hormuz and promote regional peace and stability.
China has urged Pakistan to step up its peace diplomacy efforts, particularly in addressing issues related to the Strait of Hormuz. This call was made by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi during a telephone conversation with Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. Wang appreciated Pakistan's constructive diplomatic engagement in facilitating contacts between Iran and the United States, which has helped extend a temporary ceasefire and ease regional tensions.
Wang expressed hope that Pakistan would maintain its confidence and continue contributing to restoring regional peace at an early date, which is also the common aspiration of the international community. Dar briefed Wang on Pakistan's recent mediation efforts in facilitating talks between Iran and the United States and thanked China for its support of Pakistan's efforts to promote dialogue. He expressed hope to strengthen coordination with China to jointly play a positive role in maintaining regional peace and stability.
The two sides also discussed broader regional developments and stressed the importance of ensuring stability and uninterrupted maritime passage through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy artery. They reviewed preparations for the upcoming 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan, agreeing to deepen strategic communication, strengthen high-level exchanges, and advance the all-weather strategic cooperative partnership. Both sides reiterated their commitment to closer coordination in multilateral forums, including the United Nations, and to jointly upholding multilateralism amid global turbulence.
In a separate engagement, Foreign Minister Dar held a telephone conversation with Kuwait's Foreign Minister, Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah. The Kuwaiti Foreign Minister appreciated the peace efforts undertaken by Pakistan's political and military leadership in promoting dialogue and engagement between the United States and Iran, and commended Islamabad's constructive role in advancing regional peace and stability. Both ministers discussed the broader implications of the situation surrounding the Strait of Hormuz on the global economy and stressed the importance of a peaceful and durable resolution to ongoing regional tensions. Dar reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to supporting all diplomatic efforts aimed at maintaining peace and stability in the region and beyond.
The contact between Wang and Dar came ahead of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's upcoming visit to Beijing, which is expected to further strengthen the strategic cooperative partnership between China and Pakistan. The visit is likely to focus on deepening economic cooperation, enhancing regional security, and promoting multilateralism. As Pakistan continues to play a key role in promoting regional peace and stability, its relations with China and other regional countries are likely to remain a crucial factor in shaping the country's foreign policy. With the international community looking towards Pakistan to maintain its constructive role in regional diplomacy, the country's leadership will need to navigate complex geopolitical dynamics to achieve its goals.
