Abida Shaheen
Islamabad: China has expressed strong diplomatic support for Pakistan’s mediation efforts in facilitating dialogue between Iran and the United States, as Islamabad’s role in the ongoing peace process continues to gain international attention.
The endorsement came during a telephone conversation between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar this week.
During the call, Wang Yi praised Pakistan’s “untiring efforts” in promoting dialogue, mediation and diplomatic engagement, and congratulated Islamabad on what was described as progress linked to the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which has been associated with efforts to support a structured peace process between Tehran and Washington.
He reaffirmed China’s longstanding position that disputes should be resolved through dialogue in line with the principles of the United Nations Charter, and said Pakistan’s diplomatic outreach had helped create space for negotiations between the two sides.
Pakistani officials said China’s support is being viewed as a significant endorsement of Islamabad’s emerging role as a facilitator in complex international negotiations.
The conversation also reviewed developments following early rounds of Iran–US discussions conducted under a mediation framework involving Pakistan and Qatar, including the establishment of oversight mechanisms and technical working groups.
According to the Foreign Office, Ishaq Dar informed his Chinese counterpart that a high-level committee has been formed to supervise implementation of the MoU framework and guide the next phase of talks. He also outlined the creation of specialized working groups focusing on key issues such as nuclear-related concerns, sanctions, and dispute resolution mechanisms.
Three working groups have reportedly been tasked with working toward a broader settlement within a defined timeline, as part of efforts to reduce tensions and support a negotiated outcome.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to continued coordination and stressed the importance of diplomacy in promoting regional stability and long-term peace.
The discussion also highlighted growing Pakistan–China cooperation in diplomatic initiatives beyond traditional economic and strategic ties, reflecting an expanding role in global peace facilitation efforts.