China and Pakistan Urge US and Iran to Agree to Ceasefire

Shanghai (ANTARA) - Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar in Shanghai on Thursday (16/7), with both sides urging the United States and Iran to implement a ceasefire and resume negotiations as soon as possible.

The two parties expressed deep concern over the deteriorating situation in Iran and called on all relevant parties to immediately cease hostilities, overcome various difficulties, remove obstacles, maintain contact and dialogue, and strive to reach a comprehensive peace agreement through negotiation.

In addition, they also urged the international community to continue providing support for these efforts.

Wang said that the first-phase memorandum of understanding (MoU) reached between the US and Iran did not come easily.

“That achievement is the result of bilateral negotiations as well as the joint efforts of the international community, with Pakistan playing a crucial coordinating and mediating role,” he said.

Wang stated that the core provisions of the MoU not only support the fundamental and long-term interests of the parties involved, but also fulfil the shared hopes of the international community, and therefore deserve to be safeguarded and protected with great care.

He revealed that all parties must honour their commitments and comply with the provisions in the MoU. Wang noted that China, as always, will support Pakistan’s mediation efforts and continue to play a constructive role in facilitating the de-escalation of the situation in its own way.

Meanwhile, Dar explained Pakistan’s latest efforts and expressed gratitude to China for its understanding and support. He said Pakistan would continue to advance despite various difficulties and remain actively committed to promoting peace negotiations.