China’s Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong visits 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 visiting Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong.
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 the 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 Secretary Ambassador Amna Baloch, according to a press release from the Prime Minister’s Office.
The Prime Minister conveyed his warm greetings to President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang. While expressing satisfaction over the positive trajectory of bilateral relations between Pakistan and China, the Prime Minister reaffirmed that Pakistan was very proud of its All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership with China. He also spoke of his determination 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 for Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts to achieve lasting peace in the region. He reaffirmed China’s commitment to strengthening its strong ties with Pakistan and taking them to new heights, as envisioned by President Xi Jinping.
interior minister
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 resolution to the ongoing conflict.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi appreciated US President Donald Trump’s move to extend the ceasefire, calling it a welcome and significant step towards reducing tensions.
He expressed hope that there will also be positive developments from Iran.
Naqvi claimed 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 will 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.
