Iran-Pakistan Relations Continue to Improve as Foreign Minister Plans Visit
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs held a press conference on January 23, where a reporter inquired about the recent joint statement issued by Iran and Pakistan. The statement announced that envoys from both countries would resume their duties on January 26, and that Iranian Foreign Minister Abdullahiyan would visit Pakistan on January 29.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin responded to the news, stating that China welcomes the positive progress in improving relations between Iran and Pakistan. China also expressed support for the two countries to continue enhancing mutual trust and deepening cooperation through friendly consultations. Additionally, China expressed a willingness to strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation and jointly safeguard regional peace, stability, and development with Iran and Pakistan.
The press conference also referred to the recent military exercises conducted by Iran and Pakistan in the Strait of Hormuz, indicating positive steps toward cooperation between the two nations.
Furthermore, Mao Ning, another spokesperson at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, highlighted the importance of dialogue and consultation in resolving conflicts between Iran and Pakistan. Mao Ning acknowledged that China is willing to play a constructive role in mediating the tensions between both countries if necessary, emphasizing the importance of consent from both Iran and Pakistan for any mediation efforts.
The recent escalation of tensions between Iran and Pakistan led to both countries conducting cross-border strikes. Iran had conducted military operations in Syria and Iraq as well during the past few years, but Pakistan’s inclusion as a target surprised many due to the traditionally strong bilateral relations between the two nations.
The improved relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia, facilitated in part by China’s mediation, were cited as an example of successful conflict resolution. China’s involvement played a significant role in the improvement of relations between the two Middle Eastern countries.
The statement from China also conveyed hope that the positive developments in Iran-Pakistan relations could serve as a model for how to resolve conflicts among various forces in the Middle East, expressing a desire for less conflict and more peace and development in the world.