Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong visits Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad. PHOTO: NNI
ISLAMABAD:
Amid ongoing efforts to break the deadlock in the US-Iran peace talks, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday discussed the developing situation in the Middle East and Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts towards regional peace with Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong, who called on him.
Separately, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi held a meeting with Charge d’affaires Natalie Baker, during which the two 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 Minister Ambassador Amna Baloch, a press release from the Prime Minister’s Office said.
The premier conveyed warm greetings to President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang. While expressing satisfaction over the positive trajectory of Pakistan-China bilateral relations, the Prime Minister reiterated 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 Chinese leaders to ensure relations go from strength to strength.
The Chinese Ambassador thanked the Prime Minister for receiving him and expressed China’s appreciation for Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts towards 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.
Minister of the Interior
The meeting between the Interior Minister and the US envoy also discussed the ongoing diplomatic efforts regarding holding the second round of the Islamabad Dialogue.
Both sides stressed 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 initiative to extend the ceasefire, terming it a welcome and significant step towards reducing tensions.
He expressed hope that positive progress would also come from the Iranian side.
Naqvi said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir were making great efforts at all levels to help resolve the problem.
He expressed optimism that all parties would give diplomatic and peaceful solutions a chance.
US Ambassador Natalie Baker praised Pakistan’s constructive role in promoting peace and its contribution to efforts to resolve the regional conflict.
