China’s top diplomat urged Pakistan to step up mediation efforts between Iran and the United States, and to help “properly” address the reopening of the Hormuz strait, Chinese state media said on Wednesday.
Foreign Minister Wang Yi spoke to his Pakistani counterpart Ishaq Dar in a call on Tuesday, state news agency Xinhua reported.
Wang called on Pakistan to “step up mediation efforts, and contribute to properly addressing issues related to opening the Strait of Hormuz”, state news agency Xinhua said.
“China will continue to support Pakistan’s mediation efforts and make its own contribution toward this end,” Wang said, according to Xinhua.
Islamabad is pushing to arrange a second round of direct talks between Washington and Tehran.
The discussion came ahead of US President Donald Trump’s visit to Beijing, where he is likely to hold talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the continuing Middle East conflict and other key bilateral matters.
According to a statement issued by Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry, the two foreign ministers emphasized the need to preserve a “durable” ceasefire between the United States and Iran and ensure uninterrupted navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
“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.
During the call, Wang expressed China’s “appreciation and support” for Pakistan’s “constructive” role in facilitating dialogue between the two sides.
The two diplomats also reviewed plans for upcoming high-level exchanges, events marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China, and broader cooperation at bilateral and multilateral levels. Both sides agreed to remain in close contact on issues of mutual interest.
Pakistan had earlier brokered a two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran on April 8, followed by high-level talks in Islamabad on April 11 and 12 involving senior delegations from both countries. However, the negotiations ended without a breakthrough to formally end the conflict.
Since then, Washington and Tehran have continued exchanging proposals and counter-proposals in an effort to find common ground and resume direct negotiations, as the ongoing war continues to disrupt global energy supplies and affect daily life across the wider region.
