BEIJING (MNN); Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday called for Pakistan and China to work closely together to help restore peace in the Middle East amid the ongoing conflict involving the United States and Israel.
He made the remarks during delegation-level talks with Chinese Premier Li Qiang at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. PM Shehbaz arrived in China on Saturday for a four-day official visit and reached Beijing on Sunday after a stop in Hangzhou.
Addressing the meeting, the prime minister described the current Middle East situation as a critical global moment and stressed the need for joint efforts to promote peace.
“We have to stand together so peace can return and normal economic activity can resume, as this crisis has affected not only the regional economy but the wider global community as well,” he said.
Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir was also present during the talks. PM Shehbaz noted that Pakistan had played a sincere diplomatic role in mediation efforts between the United States and Iran, highlighting Field Marshal Munir’s recent visit to Tehran and continued engagement with both Iranian and American leadership.
He also referred to Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and his diplomatic outreach in the region, expressing hope that peace efforts were moving in a positive direction.
The prime minister thanked Chinese President Xi Jinping and the Chinese leadership for supporting Pakistan’s efforts to promote peace and secure a ceasefire, saying Pakistan fully supports China’s four-point peace initiative.
PM Shehbaz also thanked China for its warm hospitality and expressed admiration for the country’s rapid development. He offered condolences over the recent coal mine gas explosion in Shanxi that claimed at least 82 lives.
He said the visit comes at an important time as Pakistan and China celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations, describing the relationship as a lasting legacy built by the founding leaders of both nations.
Earlier, PM Shehbaz received a guard of honour at the Great Hall of the People before meeting Premier Li. During his Beijing visit, he is also scheduled to meet President Xi and attend a reception marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries.
The prime minister is accompanied by senior ministers including Ishaq Dar, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar and IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja.
His visit has focused on strengthening cooperation between Islamabad and Beijing in trade, technology and investment. During his stop in Hangzhou, both sides signed cooperation agreements and MoUs worth billions of dollars, while the prime minister also met executives of major Chinese companies including Alibaba Group.
