China and Pakistan urge the United States and Iran to quickly halt the ceasefire and resume negotiations
Beijing, July 17 (KUNA) -- China and Pakistan have called on the United States and Iran to cease hostilities and resume negotiations as soon as possible, expressing concern over the deteriorating situation in the region. The Xinhua News Agency reported on Friday that this appeal came during a meeting between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his Pakistani counterpart, Muhammad Ishaq Dar, on Thursday in Shanghai, where the two sides exchanged views on recent regional and international developments amid the resumption of fighting between Washington and Tehran.
The agency quoted Wang as saying during the meeting that the first phase of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between the two countries was achieved only with great difficulty, emphasizing that it was not merely the fruit of their bilateral negotiations but also the result of joint efforts by the international community, particularly Pakistan’s mediation, which played an indispensable role. He noted that the core provisions of the MoU serve the long-term fundamental interests of the concerned parties and align with the shared aspirations of the international community, and therefore must be carefully cherished and safeguarded. He pointed out that peace is now within reach and that efforts should not be wasted at the eleventh hour.
Wang urged the relevant parties to honor their commitments and the provisions of the MoU, reiterating China’s continued support for Pakistan’s mediation efforts and its constructive role in de-escalating the situation.
For his part, Dar expressed gratitude for China’s support, affirming Islamabad’s determination to continue advancing peace negotiations despite the difficulties.
Washington and Tehran signed an MoU last month, which included a 60-day ceasefire, interspersed with negotiations aimed at reaching a broader agreement between the two sides. However, hostilities resumed after Iran attacked several ships in the Strait of Hormuz earlier this week, and its malicious attacks continued against Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, and Jordan. (End) S.L.Q. / G.A.
