China and Pakistan issue five-point peace plan for Middle East

Pakistan and China issued a five-point initiative on Tuesday to restore peace and stability in The Gulf and Middle East region, calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities.

"China and Pakistan call for immediate cessation of hostilities and utmost efforts to prevent the conflict from spreading," said a statement issued following high-level talks in Beijing.

Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar is in Beijing where he met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to discuss the peace process and the role Islamabad is playing in ending a raging war in the Middle East.

"China and Pakistan support the relevant parties in initiating talks, with all parties committing to peaceful resolution of disputes, and refraining from the use or the threat of use of force during peace talks," the statement said.

Both the countries called for the protection of civilians, non-military infrastructure and security of the shipping lanes, the Strait of Hormuz and adjacent waters.

On Sunday, Pakistan said it was ready to host talks between the US and Iran after top diplomats from the region discussed the prospects of peace amid a push to bring the two sides closer to the negotiating table.