BEIJING: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will visit Beijing from Saturday to Tuesday for talks, China’s foreign ministry said.
The ministry did not specify whether the ongoing Middle East conflict, including tensions involving Iran, would be part of the discussions.
Pakistan and China have both sought to play diplomatic roles in efforts to ease tensions in the region, following US and Israeli strikes that escalated the crisis.
A ceasefire in place since April 8 has helped halt active hostilities, although US President Donald Trump warned on Wednesday that the window for diplomacy was narrowing.
Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said the leaders of China and Pakistan will hold in-depth discussions on bilateral relations and issues of mutual concern during the visit.
He added that China would continue to work with Pakistan to contribute to an early restoration of peace and stability in the Middle East.
Guo also said China supports Pakistan in playing a “fair and balanced” mediating role to promote peace and end the conflict.
Pakistan has recently emerged as a key diplomatic player between the United States and Iran, hosting talks last month.
Reports also said Pakistan’s army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir was expected to visit Tehran, according to Iranian media.
China has maintained a quieter diplomatic role, facilitating communications and meetings with officials from affected Gulf states.
Following high-level talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping last week, US President Donald Trump claimed China had offered assistance in discussions related to the strategic Hormuz Strait, a key global oil shipping route.
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Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi recently urged Islamabad to intensify mediation efforts in the Middle East during a phone call with Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.
In recent weeks, Beijing has also hosted visits by both US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
