Xi Praises Pakistan Mediation Role In Ongoing Iran Conflict Talks

BEIJING: (Web Desk) – Chinese President Xi Jinping met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Beijing on Monday as regional diplomatic efforts to formally end the Iran conflict continued amid slow progress.

The high-level meeting took place after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held earlier talks with Chinese Premier Li Qiang. According to Chinese state media, discussions focused on regional peace, bilateral cooperation, and strengthening strategic coordination between Pakistan and China.

Pakistan has recently emerged as a key diplomatic channel between the United States and Iran, hosting direct negotiations last month that aimed to ease tensions but ultimately failed to produce a lasting agreement.

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Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was accompanied by Asim Munir, who has played a major role in mediation efforts between Washington and Tehran. Field Marshal Asim Munir also visited Tehran alongside Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi before arriving in China.

President Xi praised Pakistan’s diplomatic role in promoting peace in the Middle East and appreciated Islamabad’s efforts to encourage dialogue during the ongoing regional crisis. He stressed the importance of maintaining close communication and jointly opposing unilateral policies and Cold War-style thinking.

China has largely maintained a quieter diplomatic approach during the conflict, facilitating discussions and communication with Gulf nations while supporting efforts aimed at restoring regional stability.

Speaking during the meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the world was passing through a critical phase and noted that Pakistan had played a sincere role in trying to mediate between the United States and Iran. He also thanked China for supporting peace initiatives in the region.

During the discussions, Prime Minister Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthening its strategic partnership with China as both countries marked the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations.

Describing Pakistan-China relations as unique and unmatched, the prime minister said the friendship between the two nations had continued to deepen over more than seven decades. He congratulated the leadership and citizens of both countries on the milestone anniversary and highlighted plans for year-long celebrations.

The Pakistani premier praised President Xi Jinping’s leadership, saying China had transformed into a major global economic and military power while continuing to promote peace, multilateral cooperation, and international development.

Referring to his recent visit to Hangzhou, Prime Minister Sharif said he witnessed China’s rapid progress in technology, infrastructure, and urban development. He also highlighted his visit to Alibaba Group, describing China’s transformation as a reflection of President Xi’s vision and leadership.

The prime minister also commended China’s Belt and Road Initiative and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), saying the projects had promoted prosperity, regional connectivity, and stronger people-to-people ties.

President Xi welcomed the Pakistani delegation and reiterated that China and Pakistan had consistently supported each other since establishing diplomatic ties. He described the friendship as unbreakable and emphasized that China continued to prioritize relations with Pakistan despite changing global conditions.

Xi also referred to a recent letter from Pakistani students studying in China, saying he was encouraged by the younger generation’s commitment to preserving and advancing Pakistan-China friendship in the future.