Word Insights | Pakistani expert: China makes history in Middle Eastern diplomacy as Iran, Saudi Arabia restore ties

For complex historical reasons, the swirling sands of different religions, ethnic groups and forces have made Middle Eastern diplomacy a hot potato in the geopolitics arena. For years, Saudi Arabia and Iran have been at loggerheads due to religious differences, with conflicted geostrategic policies and interests.

China has emerged as a key mediator bridging divides between Middle East rivals and redefining regional diplomacy. As a constantly rising force in international society, China's philosophy of peaceful diplomacy and neutrality has succeeded in defusing the conflicts between the two countries and promoting peace in the Middle East. Later, Saudi Arabia's cabinet approved the country's decision to join the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), an action that has deepened cooperation between the two countries and increased China's influence in the Middle East.

In this program, we are honored to invite Mustafa Hyder Sayed, the Executive Director of the Pakistan-China Institute (PCI) in Islamabad, to share his views on China's contribution to the Saudi-Iranian rapprochement, China's role in international relations, and the future of China and the Middle East.