Chief of Pakistani army in China amid US-Iran conflict: TV

Pakistan’s army chief Asim Munir, a key mediator in the conflict between the United States and Iran, is in China with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for meetings with Chinese leaders, Pakistani television reported on Monday.

Munir was in Tehran on Friday and Saturday with Pakistani Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi as part of ongoing mediation efforts aimed at lasting peace in Iran.

China has expressed interest in working with Pakistan to “positively contribute to the swift restoration of peace and stability in the Middle East.”

Shehbaz Sharif started his official visit to China on Saturday in the city of Hangzhou, in the eastern Zhejiang province.

Pakistan is intensifying its mediation efforts in the conflict between the United States and Iran. In April, the country hosted historic face-to-face talks that did not lead to a lasting agreement.

China is playing a more discreet role, facilitating phone calls and meetings with officials from Gulf countries.

Addressing Chinese leaders in Beijing with Munir, Sharif said, “the world is going through a critical moment,” according to images from Pakistani television PTV.

“Pakistan has played a sincere mediation role between the United States and Iran. The General (Munir) was in Tehran and did not want to miss this important visit,” he added.

“Things are moving in the right direction. I would like to thank China for its support in promoting peace,” he further stated.

AFP