China confirms PM Shehbaz’s Beijing visit for key talks on May 23

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will visit Beijing on Saturday, May 23, where he is expected to participate in important talks, China’s Foreign Ministry announced on Thursday. Both Pakistan and China are currently attempting to mediate in the crises unfolding in the Middle East. Despite a ceasefire in place since April 8, US President Donald Trump warned yesterday that the window for diplomacy is rapidly closing. Speaking at a press conference, a spokesperson for China’s Foreign Ministry said that the leadership of China and Pakistan would hold detailed discussions on bilateral relations and matters of mutual interest. The spokesperson added that China would work together with Pakistan to play a constructive role in the early restoration of peace and stability in the Middle East. According to the spokesperson, China supports Pakistan’s “fair and balanced” role in promoting peace. In recent months, Pakistan has played an important role in talks between the US and Iran, and also hosted negotiations related to the matter last month, although no significant breakthrough was achieved. It is worth mentioning that over the past two weeks, Beijing has also hosted meetings involving Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin. Islamabad likely to host new round of US-Iran talks after Hajj