Joint statement from Pakistan and China for peace in the Middle East

Pakistan and China have issued a joint statement calling for an immediate ceasefire aimed at restoring peace and stability in the Middle East, as attacks by Israel and the US against Iran continue. In the joint statement released following a meeting between Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in China, it was noted that the war between the US-Israel and Iran has been ongoing for over a month. It was emphasized that Iran's de facto blockade of oil and natural gas shipments through the Strait of Hormuz since the start of the attacks has caused serious economic difficulties worldwide.

The joint statement, which called for an immediate end to the conflicts, demanded that maximum effort be made to prevent the conflict from spreading and that humanitarian aid be allowed to reach all regions affected by the war.

Calling for the immediate initiation of dialogue between the parties, the statement said, "Dialogue and diplomacy are the only viable options for resolving disputes. China and Pakistan invite the relevant parties to initiate negotiations, remain committed to the peaceful resolution of disputes, and refrain from the use or threat of force during peace talks."

The statement called on the parties to immediately cease attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure.

Describing the Strait of Hormuz as a vital route for global goods and energy transport, the statement demanded that the safety of ships and crews stranded in the strait be ensured and that the strait be reopened to traffic as soon as possible.