Initiating peace talks in the war on Iran “is no easy task,” but it would be “conducive to restoring normal navigation through the Strait of Hormuz,” Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said during a call with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Friday.
The two “agreed to jointly promote a ceasefire and cessation of hostilities and the resumption of peace talks, to ensure the safety of non-military targets and waterways,” according to a summary of the call released by the Chinese ministry.
China supports Pakistan’s role as a mediator, Wang told Dar.
Meanwhile, in a social media post on X, Dar said the two “reaffirmed the need to restore peace and stability in the Middle East and the wider region”.
“We agreed to support all efforts aimed at ensuring an immediate end to hostilities, resumption of peace talks, protection of non-combatants, security of shipping lanes, and adherence to the United Nations Charter,” he said.
“FM Wang Yi conveyed China’s appreciation and support to Pakistan for its ongoing efforts in this regard,” Dar said. He added that, during the call, they also agreed to continue our endeavours for the resolution of all disputes through dialogue and diplomacy.
A day earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also met the Chinese ambassador at the PM House to discuss Pakistan-China economic ties and ongoing bilateral projects, including CPEC 2.0 with a focus on agriculture, industry, and infrastructure.
Separately, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres expressed his full support for Pakistan’s ongoing diplomatic efforts in promoting peace and stability in the Middle East during a telephone conversation with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Friday.
FM Dar said on X that it was a “great pleasure” to speak with the UN chief.
“The secretary-general expressed appreciation and extended his full support for Pakistan’s ongoing diplomatic efforts in pursuit of peace and stability in the region,” he said.
The foreign minister said they exchanged views on the evolving situation in West Asia and its implications for international peace and security.
“I underscored that the UN remains indispensable to conflict prevention and resolution, and reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to diplomacy and dialogue as the only viable path to sustainable peace.”
FM Dar also earlier held a telephonic conversation with Egyptian counterpart Dr Badr Abdelatty.
The two leaders exchanged views on the evolving regional situation, underscoring the importance of dialogue, restraint and collective efforts to foster peace and stability.
The Foreign Office said they reaffirmed their commitment to continuing support for all efforts aimed at advancing peace and prosperity.
The development comes as Pakistan has taken centre-stage in a process to mediate between the US and Iran, being carried out in collaboration with Ankara and Cairo, with officials confirming that indirect exchanges between Washington and Tehran are continuing through structured message relays, rather than direct contact.