China’s FM Wang Yi appreciates Pakistan’s efforts for de-escalation, peace in Mideast in call with Dar

China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Tuesday appreciated Pakistan’s constructive efforts to promote de-escalation and stability in the Middle East during a call with FM Ishaq Dar, following tensions after the United States and Israel attacked Iran.

Tensions in the Middle East escalated sharply after US and Israeli air strikes last week assassinated Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several senior officials, triggering a wave of retaliation from Tehran and widening the conflict across the region. In response to the strikes, Iran launched retaliatory attacks on US military bases in several Gulf countries, significantly expanding the scope of the confrontation.

Pakistan’s leadership has since ramped up its diplomatic efforts to play its part in managing the tensions, particularly between Iran and the Gulf states.

In a post on X today, the Foreign Office (FO) said FM Dar held a telephonic conversation with Wang Yi, during which the two leaders stressed the importance of de-escalation and emphasised the need to pursue dialogue and diplomacy in accordance with the principles of the United Nations Charter.

“FM Wang Yi appreciated Pakistan’s constructive efforts aimed at promoting de-escalation and stability in the region,” the FO said, adding that Dar shared Pakistan’s perspective and underscored the urgent need to ease tensions in the Middle East and the wider region.

The two sides also exchanged views on the evolving regional situation and broader global developments.

They further reaffirmed the enduring strength of their bilateral partnership, reiterated their shared commitment to further deepening bilateral cooperation and agreed to remain in close contact.

Dar also spoke to Saudi FM Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud and discussed evolving developments in the Middle East and the wider region.

The FO said the two leaders exchanged views on ongoing deliberations at the UN Security Council.

During the call, Dar shared Pakistan’s perspective and underscored the importance of continued coordination and diplomatic engagement to support de-escalation and promote peace and stability across the region and beyond.

Last night, Dar spoke with Bahrain’s FM Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, to discuss the recent developments in the Middle East.

The two leaders conveyed grave concern over recent attacks in the region, including in Bahrain.

Dar reiterated Pakistan’s support for Bahrain and its citizens, emphasising the importance of de-escalation, dialogue, and initiatives to promote regional peace and stability.

The call came after an Iranian drone attack on the island of Sitra in Bahrain, injuring 32 people overnight, as Gulf nations reported new attacks with Tehran pressing its retaliatory strikes across the region.

All of the wounded were Bahraini citizens, and there were four “serious cases”, including children, the health ministry said in a statement carried by the state news agency.