ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif accompanied by a high-level delegation left for Riyadh on Monday on an important tour to Saudi Arabia, a visit widely welcomed by politicians across the country as it would help ease tension between the Saudi Kingdom and Islamic Republic of Iran.
His visit is being undertaken as part of efforts to defuse the ongoing tension between Saudi Arabia and Iran which Pakistan deems as likely to tremendously damage the unity of the Ummah.
Sharif will also visit Tehran on Tuesday and during his two-day stay in both the countries, he will hold meetings with their leaderships and exchange views on regional and international issues.
The Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Raheel Sharif, Prime Minister’s Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi and National Security Advisor Nasir Janjua accompanied the prime minister.
“Pakistan is deeply concerned at the recent escalation of tensions between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Islamic Republic of Iran. The Prime Minister has called for resolution of differences through peaceful means, in the larger interest of Muslim unity, particularly during these challenging times,” a press release of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday said.
“Pakistan has consistently advocated the policy of promoting brotherhood among member states of Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC),” it said.
The bilateral relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran turned tense after Riyadh announced to end its diplomatic ties with Tehran in protest against violent demonstrations over the execution of Shia Cleric Nimr al-Nimr.
Pakistan has offered its mediator role to end the tension between two regional powers.
Meanwhile, leading politicians and analysts have hailed the prime minister’s visit to Saudi Arabia and Iran, describing it as a timely move to defuse tension between Saudi Arab and Iran.
They expressed hope that mediation by Pakistan will help normalize the situation. According to them, the prime minister’s bold initiative will forge unity among the Muslim Ummah.
