China says ready to cooperate with Pakistan to resolve West Asia conflicts
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Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif in Beijing on Monday as diplomatic efforts to end the Middle East war continue.
The high-level meeting, which took place at a time of increasing international activity on issues such as US-Iran tensions, regional stability and mediation efforts, is seen as meaningful.
According to the state-run Xinhua news agency, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif also held talks with Chinese Premier Li Keqiang before meeting President Xi Jinping.
Chinese state media did not immediately release details about the latest discussions in Beijing.
According to Pakistani television, Pakistan's Army Chief Asim Munir is visiting China with Prime Minister Sharif.
Munir's participation is seen as particularly important at a time when Islamabad's role in the dialogue process between the US and Iran is growing.
Last month, Pakistan hosted historic face-to-face talks between the US and Iran, presenting itself as a key mediator. However, the effort failed to translate into a lasting agreement.
Meanwhile, China has been playing a relatively restrained but active diplomatic role. Beijing has continued to try to ease regional tensions through telephone conversations and meetings with officials from affected Gulf countries.
During a meeting with Chinese leaders in Beijing, Sharif said the world was passing through a crucial juncture, according to Pakistani state television PTV. He said Pakistan was playing a mediating role in improving US-Iran relations.
China has also said it is ready to work with Pakistan to resolve conflicts and restore peace and stability in West Asia.
Pakistan hosted the only direct talks between US and Iranian officials on April 11 and 12. Asim Munir was seen playing a very active role in that negotiation. But the negotiation efforts were unsuccessful.
Pakistan has been trying to negotiate repeatedly since then.
On Sunday, US President Donald Trump said that many issues had been agreed upon with Iran and that only the official agreement was yet to be signed. On Monday, he said that the US was in no hurry to reach an agreement.
