Tens of thousands of waterbirds gather at the Tarim River in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, as the waterway enters its annual ice-thaw season.
In a section of the river running through Shaya County in Aksu Prefecture, the once-frozen surface has gradually begun to melt, drawing waterbirds to swim and play across open waters and shallow shoals.
In recent years, strengthened ecological protection and restoration efforts in the Tarim River basin have steadily improved the river's environment, providing increasingly suitable habitats for migratory birds.
Waterbirds gather along Xinjiang's Tarim River as ice melts
Waterbirds gather along Xinjiang's Tarim River as ice melts
An Iranian delegation led by Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi arrived in Pakistan on Friday night to discuss regional developments and ongoing peace efforts, a spokesman for Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.
Tahir Andrabi, the spokesman, said in a social media post that Araghchi is scheduled to meet Pakistan's leadership to exchange views on the evolving regional situation and efforts aimed at promoting peace and stability.
Upon arrival, the Iranian foreign minister was received by Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Chief of Defense Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, along with other senior officials.
Araghchi currently has no negotiation plans with U.S. representatives, but will convey messages to the U.S. side through Pakistani mediators, according to Iranian sources on Friday.
However, the White House said Friday that U.S. President Donald Trump's envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner are heading to Pakistan for talks with Araghchi this weekend.
U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who led the U.S. negotiating team during the first round of talks in Pakistan earlier this month, is not currently planning to attend the upcoming talks, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said, adding he will be standing by and consulting Trump alongside Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Earlier in the day, Araghchi said in a social media post that he was embarking on a regional tour that includes stops in Islamabad, Muscat and Moscow. Araghchi emphasized that the purpose of the visit is to closely coordinate with partners on bilateral affairs and to consult on the regional situation. He also noted that Iran's neighbors are a priority for Iran.
Iranian delegation led by FM arrives in Pakistan
