RIYADH: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif Monday expressed deep concern over the recent escalation of tension between Saudi Arabia and Iran, calling for resolution of differences through peaceful means in the larger interest of Ummah, particularly during these challenging times.
In his meeting with Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, the prime minister recalled Pakistan’s consistent policy of promoting brotherhood among member states of the Organisation of the Islamic Cooperation, said a joint statement issued by the Foreign Office. He said Pakistan has always expressed readiness to offer its good offices to brotherly Muslim countries for the resolution of their differences through dialogue and reconciliation.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif led a delegation to Saudi Arabia, including Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif, Prime Minister’s National Security Adviser Nasser Khan Janjua and Special Assistant to PM on Foreign Affairs Tariq Fatemi. During the meeting, both sides exchanged views on various facets of enduring cooperation with regard to Saudi initiative of formation of the coalition of Muslim countries against terrorism. Pakistan deeply appreciated the Saudi initiative and assured the kingdom its support.
The prime minister reiterated that “the people of Pakistan would always stand with the people of Saudi Arabia against any threat to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the kingdom.” During the talks, both the sides underscored the need for further strengthening of bilateral relations in all fields including defence, security, economic and commercial cooperation. “As is well known, the people of Pakistan hold the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in high esteem and have deep respect for the custodian of the two Holy Mosques. Both people are bonded through historical, cultural and Islamic ties of brotherhood,” said the statement.
King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud acknowledged and appreciated the sincere sentiments of the people of Pakistan that they held for their Saudi brethren and the Kingdom. He also appreciated the initiative of the Pakistani leadership and observed that Saudi Arabia has always strived to promote brotherhood amongst Muslim countries. The two delegations also discussed regional and global issues of common concerns. Views were exchanged on fighting terrorism and extremism. It was agreed that both countries would work together to defeat their common enemy – terrorism and extremism.
Army chief General Raheel Sharif met Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Crown Prince and Defence Minister Mohammed bin Salman upon arrival in Riyadh on Monday. “After arriving in Riyadh, the army chief met the Saudi defence minister,” the Inter-Services Public Relations said in a statement. During the meeting, General Raheel highlighted Pakistan’s perspective on the Middle East situation. “Due to the situation in Middle East, the Muslim Ummah is weakening,” sources said, quoting the army chief.
The COAS stressed the need for opening up the communication channel between Saudi Arabia and Iran, the sources added.
Earlier during the day, General Raheel along with PM Nawaz Sharif departed for Saudi Arabia and Iran in a bid to defuse tensions between the two regional countries. “The prime minister wants to defuse tensions between Saudi Arabia and Iran in a peaceful manner,” a statement issued by the Foreign Office said, regarding the premier’s visit. “Pakistan has deep-rooted, brotherly relations with both Saudi Arabia and Iran, and is concerned over ongoing tension between the two Muslim countries,” it added. Tensions between Riyadh and Tehran have been running high since the January 2 execution of leading Shia cleric Nimr al Nimr and the subsequent attacks on Saudi Embassy and consulate in Iran.
DAILY TIMES.
YEMI.
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