Islamabad and Beijing Call for an Immediate End to the Middle East War and Protection of Maritime Corridors

SadaNews - China and Pakistan urged for an immediate ceasefire and an end to the war in the Gulf and Middle East regions, and called for peace talks to be held as soon as possible.

Official sources stated that the foreign ministers of both countries emphasized the need to ensure the safety of maritime corridors and the safety of vessels and their crews stranded in the waters of the Strait of Hormuz.

The Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs mentioned that the two countries issued this call as part of a five-point initiative released on Tuesday to restore peace and stability in the region.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry announced that China and Pakistan will enhance their cooperation regarding Iran.

A spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, during a press conference, stated that the two countries share similar positions on key international and regional issues.

Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar traveled to China on Tuesday for a one-day official visit at the invitation of his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi.

During the press conference, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said, "The foreign ministers of both countries will enhance strategic communication and coordination regarding the situation in Iran and will make new efforts to call for peace," describing China and Pakistan as strategic partners "in all circumstances."

Dar is intensively discussing regional developments, bilateral relations, and global issues of common interest with the Chinese leadership.

Pakistan is among China’s closest partners in the region, but Beijing has called for "calm and restraint" in Islamabad's dispute with Afghanistan.

This month, the Chinese Foreign Ministry announced that a special Chinese envoy spent a week mediating between the two countries.

The two neighboring Asian countries have sought to broker to prevent an escalation of the conflict in the Middle East, and Islamabad has expressed its readiness to host "serious talks" between the United States and Iran.

Dar's visit comes after he hosted his counterparts from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Turkey last Sunday to discuss attempts to end the war that erupted in the Middle East following the U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28.

Concerns are growing about the consequences of the war, including the near-total paralysis of maritime navigation through the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

China is a key partner for Iran, but it has not announced any military assistance to Tehran and has repeatedly called for a ceasefire.

On another note, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated on Tuesday that three Chinese vessels recently passed through the Strait of Hormuz after coordination with the relevant parties, and she called for the restoration of peace and stability in the Gulf region.

Ning, during a daily press briefing commenting on reports of the vessels' passage, said, "The Strait of Hormuz and the surrounding waters are important routes for global trade and energy supplies.

China calls for an immediate ceasefire, an end to the fighting, and the restoration of peace and stability in the Gulf region." No details were provided about the Chinese vessels.