Pakistan presses on with peace efforts

PM, Chinese envoy discuss regional situation

ISLAMABAD:

Amid ongoing efforts to break the deadlock in US–Iran peace talks, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday discussed the evolving Middle East situation and Pakistan's diplomatic push for regional peace with Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong, who called on him.

Separately, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi held a meeting with Chargé d'Affaires Natalie Baker, during which both sides discussed the latest regional developments in detail.

During talks with the Chinese envoy, the prime minister was assisted by Deputy Prime Minister & Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Minister for Planning Development & Special Initiatives Dr. Ahsan Iqbal, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ataullah Tarar, SAPM Syed Tariq Fatemi and Foreign Secretary Ambassador Amna Baloch, a Prime Minister's Office news release said.

The prime minister conveyed his warm regards and greetings for President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang. While expressing his satisfaction at the positive trajectory of Pakistan-China bilateral relations, the prime minister reaffirmed that Pakistan took great pride in its All-Weather Cooperative Strategic Partnership with China. He also spoke of his resolve to continue working closely with the Chinese leadership, to ensure that the relationship grows from strength to strength.

The Chinese Ambassador thanked the prime minister for receiving him and expressed China's appreciation of Pakistan's diplomatic efforts for lasting peace in the region. He reaffirmed China's commitment to strengthening its iron-clad ties with Pakistan and to take them to new heights, as envisioned by President Xi Jinping.

Interior minister

The meeting between the interior minister and the US envoy also covered ongoing diplomatic efforts regarding the holding of the second round of the Islamabad Dialogue.

Both sides emphasised the need for sustained diplomatic channels to achieve a lasting resolution to the ongoing conflict.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi appreciated US President Donald Trump's initiative to extend the ceasefire, calling it a welcome and significant step toward reducing tensions.

He expressed hope that positive progress would also come from Iran's side.

Naqvi stated that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal General Asim Munir were making strong efforts at all levels to help resolve the issue.

He expressed optimism that all parties would give diplomatic and peaceful solutions a chance.

US Ambassador Natalie Baker praised Pakistan's constructive role in promoting peace and contributing to efforts aimed at resolving the regional conflict.