ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: The Advisor on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz said on Tuesday that tension between Saudi Arabia and Iran is a very sensitive issue and the Pakistani government is playing a positive and balanced role in this regard.
In a policy statement in the National Assembly on Tuesday, the advisor hoped that Saudi Arabia and Iran would be able to restore relations through dialogue sooner than later. He said that it is the responsibility of both the states to provide safety to the diplomatic missions.
The advisor said that being friend of Saudi Arabia and Iran, Pakistan will try to bridge the divide and improve relationship between the two countries.
Sartaj Aziz said that after the visit of Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir to Pakistan on Thursday, he will be able to give a more detailed statement on the issue of tension between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and other related issues.
In addition, Sartaj Aziz said that for the last two and a half years, the foreign policy is very active and it has achieved a number of successes in terms of improving relations with different countries. He said that Pakistan will continue to play its positive role as an important member of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
On January 4, Saudi Arabia announced to end its diplomatic relations with Iran after a series of strong demonstrations held in the Islamic Republic while the Saudi Embassy in Tehran was also set ablaze following the execution of prominent Shia Muslim cleric Nimr al-Nimr along with 46 others on charges of terrorism in the Kingdom.
Later, the Foreign Office said that Pakistan is concerned at the recent escalation of tensions between Saudi Arabia and Iran.
“The attack on the Saudi Embassy in Tehran, which is against international norms, is most unfortunate and deeply regrettable,” said a statement issued by the Foreign Office.
“It is the responsibility of states to provide full safety and security to all diplomatic Missions and their personnel.”
The statement said that dark forces of extremism and terrorism can take advantage of any disunity in the Muslim Ummah.
“We call for resolution of differences through peaceful means in the larger interest of Muslim unity in these challenging times,” it said.
