Web Report
RIYADH — Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif on Monday discussed the Saudi-Iran stand off with the Custodian of Two Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz of Arabia during a meeting held here in Riyadh, according to the News International.
Pakistan’s National Security Advisor Nasir Khan Janjua and Prime Minister’s Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi were also present in the meeting while the Saudi King was accompanied by his cabinet members.
According to a joint communiqué released here, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif expressed Pakistan’s concerns over the escalations between Saudi Arabia and Iran. In view of the current challenges it would be in the best interest of Muslim Ummah that the issue is settled in a peaceful manner, he added.
The Saudi King appreciated Pakistan’s efforts for the reconciliation.
During the meeting, both the sides agreed to work hand-in-hand for the elimination of terrorism and extremism.
Both the countries agreed on further enhancing the bilateral cooperation in matters pertaining to security, defense, economy and trade.
Pakistan people have a deep regard and reverence for the people of Saudi Arabia.
Both the countries share relations rooted in history, culture and brotherhood.
Earlier, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif met with the governor of Riyadh while Army Chief General Raheel Sharif called on Saudi defense minister Prince Mohammed Bin Salman.
During the meeting General Raheel Sharif 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 Chief of Army Staff 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 escalated since the January 2 execution of leading Shia cleric Nimr al Nimr and the subsequent attacks on Saudi Embassy and consulate in Iran.
Saudi Arabia and some of its allies have cut off ties with Iran triggering a diplomatic crisis in the region.