Chinese President Xi Jinping received Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Beijing on Monday, as Pakistan continues its mediation efforts between the United States and Iran, Chinese and Pakistani state media reported.
The head of the Pakistani army Asim Munir, main mediator in the conflict between Washington and Tehran, accompanies Mr. Sharif during this official visit to China, according to images broadcast by Pakistani television.
Mr. Munir visited Tehran on Friday and Saturday with Pakistani Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi as part of diplomatic efforts aimed at putting a lasting end to the war.
China said it wanted to work with Pakistan to “contribute positively to the early restoration of peace and stability in the Middle East.”
Pakistan has been increasing its diplomatic initiatives for several weeks. The country hosted historic face-to-face talks between American and Iranian representatives in April, without reaching a lasting agreement.
China, for its part, plays a more discreet role, notably facilitating telephone exchanges and meetings with officials from the Gulf countries.
Speaking to Chinese leaders in Beijing alongside Mr Munir, Mr Sharif said “the world is going through a critical moment”, according to footage from Pakistani television PTV.
“Pakistan has played a sincere mediation role between the United States and Iran. Marshal (Munir) was in Tehran and did not want to miss this big visit,” he added.
“Things are going in the right direction. I would like to thank China for its support in promoting peace,” he said.
In this context, Iran reported progress in its negotiations with the United States on Monday, while rejecting the idea of an imminent agreement.
AFP
