Pakistan PM calls for diplomatic solutions to Middle East conflicts

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan Saturday met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Al Saud and called for resolving the Middle East disputes and differences through diplomatic means.

“Pakistan will continue to facilitate all efforts in that direction with a view to precluding conflict, defusing tensions and preserving peace for the benefit of the region and the world,” the prime minister said in the bilateral meeting held in Saudi capital city where he arrived from Madina al Munawwarah after paying respects at Roza-e-Rasool (Peace Be Upon Him).

The prime minister paid a day long visit to the Kingdom as part of regular exchanges at the leadership level between Pakistan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He held wide-ranging consultations with the crown prince covering bilateral matters and developments in the regional context.

Prime Minister Imran Khan emphasized the strategic importance of Pakistan-Saudi relationship and termed it a pivotal partnership for peace, progress and prosperity.

He extended warm felicitations on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s assumption of G20 presidency. He said it was a reflection of the Kingdom’s leadership role and stature in the international community and Pakistan wished Saudi Arabia a highly successful G20 presidency.

In the bilateral context, the prime minister underscored the unique strength of Pakistan-Saudi relations, based on mutual trust and understanding.

He noted that high level visits were the hallmark of the relationship and the crown prince’s visit to Pakistan in last February had ushered in a new era of deeper engagement across the economic, investment, energy, security and defence, and people-to-people domains.

Both the leaders expressed satisfaction over the ongoing bilateral cooperation between the two countries.

It was noted that the establishment of the Saudi-Pakistan Supreme Coordination Council (SPSCC) had provided a firm institutional mechanism to advance bilateral cooperation in diverse fields in a robust manner. The two sides hoped to further advance this process during the second meeting of the SPSCC expected to take place early next year.

The prime minister apprised the crown prince of the latest situation in the Indian Occupied Jammu & Kashmir, marked by continuous lockdown and other restrictions since August 5, 2019. It was accompanied by India’s belligerent rhetoric and actions on the Line of Control.

He also thanked Saudi Arabia for its traditional support to the Kashmir cause, including its active role in the OIC Contact Group on Jammu & Kashmir. The two sides discussed ways of further advancing the Kashmir cause through the OIC and other means.

The Saudi side offered all possible support in the development of tourism sector of Pakistan. In this context it was agreed that a Saudi team would undertake a visit to Pakistan soon.

This was Prime Minister Imran Khan’s fourth visit to Saudi Arabia since May 2019, reflecting the importance attached by Pakistan to this strategic partnership. The leadership on both sides remains determined to take Pak-Saudi relations to a new level.