FM Dar, Chinese counterpart call for peace, stability amid Mideast tensions
FM Ishaq Dar and Chinese FM Wang Yi in Islamabad Photo: FO X account/ File
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Friday spoke to Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on the evolving situation in West Asia.
In a post on X, Dar said, “Both sides reaffirmed the need to restore peace and stability in the Middle East and the wider region,” while Yi conveyed China’s appreciation and support for Pakistan’s ongoing efforts in this regard.
It was pleasure to speak today with my friend, His Excellency Wang Yi, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister of the People’s Republic of China, on the evolving situation in the West Asia.
We reaffirmed the need to restore peace and…They agreed to support all efforts aimed at ensuring an immediate end to hostilities, resumption of peace talks, protection of non-combatants, security of shipping lanes, and adherence to the United Nations (UN) Charter.
Both sides also agreed to continue their endeavours for the resolution of all disputes through dialogue and diplomacy.
Naqvi, Chinese envoy discuss security
Earlier, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zedong at the Chinese embassy in Islamabad, according to an official release.
They discussed counter-terrorism, security cooperation, police exchange programs, and other key matters. To address security challenges faced by Chinese investors in Pakistan, it was also decided to organise a business conference.
In the first phase, meetings will be held with the Chinese business community currently in Pakistan, followed by a second phase in which engagements will be arranged with investors interested in investing in the country.
A Special Protection Unit is being established to ensure the safety of foreign nationals, the interior minister said. The unit will ensure the security of Chinese citizens in Islamabad, he added. During their training, the personnel of the unit will also be taught the Chinese language, he said.
A day earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also met the Chinese ambassador at the PM House to discuss Pakistan-China economic ties and ongoing bilateral projects, including CPEC 2.0 with a focus on agriculture, industry, and infrastructure.
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The prime minister congratulated the Chinese leadership on the successful conclusion of the “Two Sessions” and thanked them for their warm Pakistan Day greetings. Ambassador Jiang expressed China’s appreciation for Pakistan’s resilience and reform efforts, promising continued support in trade and investment.
Both sides acknowledged progress in strengthening bilateral relations, reaffirmed the “All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership,” and looked forward to marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties through high-level engagements, while emphasising regional stability and close coordination on issues of mutual interest.