Saudi FM in Pakistan: Islamabad urges end of conflict between Saudi Arabia and Iran
Islamabad, Pakistan: The Foreign Office of Pakistan issued a four liner declaration on Thursday evening after important meetings of Saudi Foreign Minister Adel Bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir with with Pakistani civilian and military leadership.
According to television channels the Declaration said:
PM Nawaz Sharif stressed to solve the conflict between Saudi Arabia and Iran with peaceful process. Pakistan supports the alliance of 34 countries against terrorism.
However, the Declaration was not uploaded on the website of Foreign office till the filing of this report.
Meanwhile, state run news agency APP released a joint statement that says:
“Pakistan expressed deep concern at the escalation of the situation and condemned the burning down of Saudi Embassy in Tehran.
Pakistan believes in respect for international norms and adherence to principle of non-interference. The Prime Minister called for resolution of differences through peaceful means in the larger interest of the Muslim unity in this challenging time.
The visiting Foreign Minister also held delegation level talks with Advisor to the Prime Minister Sartaj Aziz. During the talks, held under bilateral political consultation mechanism, the two sides discussed the ways and means to further expand areas of bilateral cooperation.
The two sides also discussed ways to deepen bilateral cooperation in all fields. Both sides agreed to hold political consultations twice a year alternatively in Islamabad and Riyadh.
Both the sides also exchanged views on fighting terrorism and extremism. The Advisor briefed Saudi Foreign Minister on the successful campaign that Pakistan has waged against the twin menace of terrorism and extremism.
The two sides underscored the need to develop jointly a counter narrative against extremism and terrorism with the help of Ulemas. The two delegations also discussed regional and global issues of common concern. It was agreed that both countries would make a concerted effort to promote multi-faceted cooperation and work together to defeat their common enemy – terrorism and extremism.
All the meetings were held in an atmosphere of warmth, friendship and cordiality that characterizes the historic and fraternal relations between the two countries.
Earlier, Advisor to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz after his meeting with Saudi Foreign Minister said:
“The role of every country in 34-nation alliance of the Muslim countries is voluntary and all the member states are free to define their role in the coalition like extending training in counter-insurgency. Sartaj Aziz said Pakistan has always supported all alliances meant for fighting terrorism”.
It may be mentioned that Adel Bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir held a series of meetings with Pakistani civilian and military leadership including with Chief of Pakistan Army Gen Raheel Sharif and Prime Minister Mian Nawaz Sharif.
His joint Press Conference along with Sartaj Aziz was postponed and this Press Conference can take place at the end of his two-day visit on Friday before his departure to Saudi Arabia.
In his meeting with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, the Saudi foreign minister exchanged views on regional security situation and matters of bilateral interest.
The meeting was also attended by Prime Minister’s Advisor on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz, Prime Minister’s Special Assistant on Foreign Affairs Tariq Fatemi, National Security Advisor Nasir Khan Janjua, Foreign Secretary Aizaz Ahmed Chaudhry and Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Abdullah Marzouk Al Zahrani among other top officials.
Pakistan has expressed its series concerns over recent escalation of tension between Saudi Arabia and Iran after their bilateral diplomatic relations ended following the execution of Nimr Al-Nimr and the consequent torching of the Saudi embassy by a mob in Tehran, and has been urging restraint to both Riyadh and Tehran.
Earlier, after his arrival in Islamabad, the Saudi foreign minister held a meeting with the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Raheel Sharif in Rawalpindi.
During the meeting, they held a discussion regarding issues pertaining to bilateral relations and regional security situation.
In his remarks during the meeting, the Saudi foreign minister lauded Pakistan’s phenomenal successes in fight against terrorism and efforts towards regional stability.
