Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Pakistan’s Ishaq Dar vowed to “make new efforts” toward advancing Iran peace talks during their meeting in Beijing.
China and Pakistan called on Tuesday (Mar 31) for an immediate end to the war in the Middle East, and for peace talks as soon as possible, as they agreed to boost their cooperation on Iran.
The two countries outlined a joint initiative “for restoring peace and stability in the Gulf and Middle East region”, after a visit from senior Pakistani officials to Beijing.
Both countries have sought to mediate in the Middle East to prevent the conflict from escalating, with Islamabad saying it is ready to host “meaningful talks” between the United States and Iran.
Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar met his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi and agreed to “strengthen strategic communication and coordination on the Iran situation and … make new efforts towards advocating for peace”, Beijing said.
Wang backed Pakistan’s mediation efforts as “in keeping with the common interests of all parties”, according to a Chinese readout of the meeting.
“China supports and looks forward to Pakistan playing a unique and important role in easing the situation and resuming peace talks,” Wang said.
Dar’s ministry said the two sides had agreed on a five-point plan, starting with the “immediate cessation of hostilities” and the “start of peace talks as soon as possible”.
On talks, which the United States claims are ongoing but Iran denies, the governments said dialogue and diplomacy were “the only viable option to resolve conflicts”.
“China and Pakistan support the relevant parties in initiating talks, with all parties committing to peaceful resolution of disputes, and refraining from the use or the threat of use of force during peace talks,” according to Pakistan’s foreign ministry.
The plan also calls for an end to attacks on civilians and non-military targets, such as energy infrastructure and desalination plants.
Shipping lanes should be secured, allowing “the early and safe passage of civilian and commercial ships” through the strategic Strait of Hormuz, it added.
Both countries said a lasting peace should be based on the UN charter and international law.
Dar’s visit comes after he hosted his counterparts from Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Türkiye on Sunday for weekend talks about trying to end the war, which was triggered by US-Israeli strikes on Iran on Feb 28.
Concerns are running high about the impact of the fighting, including the choking of maritime traffic through the Strait.
China is a key partner of Iran but has not announced military assistance to Tehran, instead repeatedly calling for a ceasefire.
Source : https://www.channelnewsasia.com/world/pakistan-china-dar-yi-iran-us-israel-war-peace-talks-6029046
