China’s Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong calls on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad. PHOTO: NNI
ISLAMABAD:
Amid ongoing efforts to break the deadlock in US-Iran peace talks, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday discussed the evolving situation in the Middle East 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, where both sides discussed recent regional developments in detail.
During talks with the Chinese envoy, the Prime Minister was assisted by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Dr. Ahsan Iqbal, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ataullah Tarar, SAPM Syed Tariq Fatemi and Foreign Minister Ambassador Amna Baloch, said a new announcement from the Prime Minister’s Office.
The Prime Minister conveyed his warm greetings and regards to President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang. While expressing his satisfaction with the positive trajectory of Pakistan-China bilateral relations, the Prime Minister reaffirmed that Pakistan was very proud of its all-Weather Cooperative strategic partnership with China. He also spoke of his willingness 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 strengthen its iron-clad ties with Pakistan and to take them to new heights as envisioned by President Xi Jinping.
Minister of the Interior
The meeting between the interior minister and the US envoy also covered the ongoing diplomatic efforts regarding the holding of the second round of the Islamabad dialogue.
Both sides emphasized the need for sustained diplomatic channels to achieve a lasting solution to the ongoing conflict.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi appreciated US President Donald Trump’s initiative to extend the ceasefire and called it a welcome and important step towards reducing tensions.
He expressed hope that there would also be positive progress from Iran’s side.
Naqvi stated that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal General Asim Munir were making great 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 to resolve the regional conflict.
