China lauds Pakistan’s mediation role in US-Iran talks, stresses durable ceasefire
Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar(L) and China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi. PHOTOs: File
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi reiterated appreciation and support for Pakistan’s constructive mediation role in the US-Iran conflict during talks with Deputy Prime Minister and FM Ishaq Dar on Tuesday, as both sides underscored the importance of continuing a durable ceasefire.
According to a statement issued by the Foreign Office, FM Dar held a telephone conversation with his Chinese counterpart.
“The two leaders exchanged in-depth views on recent regional developments and Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to facilitate engagement between Iran and the United States, aimed at promoting sustained peace and stability in the region and beyond,” the statement said.
Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 spoke today with Foreign Minister of the People’s Republic of China, Wang Yi.
The two leaders exchanged in-depth views on recent regional developments and Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to facilitate… pic.twitter.com/MUXVisOIY2During the conversation, the Chinese foreign minister reiterated appreciation and support for Pakistan’s constructive mediation role.
“Both sides underscored the importance of continuing a durable ceasefire and ensuring normal passage through the Strait of Hormuz,” the statement added.
Both leaders also discussed planned high-level exchanges, activities marking the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China, as well as broader bilateral and multilateral cooperation.
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The two sides agreed to maintain close communication on all matters of mutual interest, the statement concluded.
Pakistan had brokered a two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran on April 8, followed by critical talks in Islamabad attended by senior delegations from both countries on April 11 and 12.
However, neither side was able to reach an agreement to bring the conflict to an end.
Since then, the two sides have been exchanging proposals and counter-proposals in an effort to reach a middle ground and resume a second round of direct talks aimed at ending the conflict, which has already disrupted global energy supplies and daily life across the region.
While Pakistan remains hopeful for the resumption of direct talks, sources said there was no “significant” change in Iran’s earlier stance on the nuclear issue in its response to US proposals.
According to sources, Tehran’s response — delivered to the United States via Islamabad last week — primarily focused on an “immediate” end to hostilities, with “little [in it] in terms of Washington’s core demand about Iran’s nuclear programme”.
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Iran, the sources added, has proposed “broader and separate” talks on the nuclear issue, citing its “complexity”.
However, Tehran has “reiterated” its willingness to halt uranium enrichment for a period of five years, while rejecting Washington’s demand for a 20-year moratorium, according to the sources.