Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan, Jiang Zaidong, on Thursday lauded Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts for peace in the Middle East during a meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, where both sides discussed the regional situation, said the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).

According to the statement on X, the two sides also exchanged views on developments in the Middle East and Pakistan’s efforts to promote peace in the region.

“The Chinese envoy thanked the prime minister for receiving him and expressed China’s appreciation of Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts for lasting peace in the region,” read the statement.

According to PMO, PM Shehbaz conveyed his warm regards and greetings to President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang. While expressing his satisfaction at the positive trajectory of Pakistan-China bilateral relations.

“PM Shehbaz reaffirmed that Pakistan took great pride in its All-Weather Cooperative Strategic Partnership with China and resolved to continue working closely with the Chinese leadership, to ensure that the relationship grows from strength to strength,” it added.

Zaidong also reaffirmed China’s commitment to strengthening its iron-clad ties with Pakistan and to taking them to new heights, as envisioned by President Xi Jinping.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Special Assistant to PM Tariq Fatemi, and Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch were also present.

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A day earlier, Iranian Ambassador Reza Amiri Moghadam also called on PM Shehbaz and discussed the ongoing regional situation following the extension of the ceasefire between the United States and Iran.

Pakistan took centre stage when it brokered a 14-day ceasefire between the US and Iran, followed by high-stakes talks in Islamabad attended by senior delegations from the two countries earlier this month.

Although the talks did not yield the desired results, the ceasefire remained intact, with confidence-building measures being pursued to secure a permanent truce. Trump had also credited Beijing with helping to get Iran to the first round of negotiations with the US in Pakistan.

China has also presented a four-point peace plan that calls for upholding peaceful coexistence, national sovereignty, the international rule of law, and balancing development and security.