ISLAMABAD: Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday to discuss the situation in the Middle East and Pakistan’s efforts to promote de-escalation, his office said.
The meeting came amid rising regional tensions after joint US-Israeli strikes on Iranian targets, which triggered retaliatory attacks and sparked fears of a wider conflict. Pakistan has positioned itself as a potential mediator, with reports suggesting it has been conveying messages between Washington and Tehran.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and other senior officials also attended the meeting at the Prime Minister’s House.
“The Prime Minister highlighted Pakistan’s constructive role in promoting de-escalation and regional stability while discussing the regional situation,” the statement said.
While media reports suggested that US-Iran talks could take place in Islamabad, no official confirmation has come from either side.
Shehbaz Sharif also praised China’s ongoing economic support for Pakistan and reaffirmed his commitment to advancing the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), focusing on agriculture, industrial cooperation, and priority infrastructure projects.
Ambassador Jiang commended Pakistan’s economic resilience and reform efforts and assured continued support from Beijing, particularly in trade and investment.
Also Read: Iran War: Saudi Arabia Praises Pakistan’s Diplomacy and Peacemaking Role
Both sides expressed satisfaction with ongoing cooperation and looked forward to high-level engagements marking 75 years of diplomatic relations. They reaffirmed close coordination on issues of mutual interest under their long-standing strategic partnership.
