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Pakistan PM shows concerns at Iran-Saudi tensions

Xinhua, January 8, 2016 Adjust font size:

Pakistan Prime Minister, Nawaz Sharif, who received Saudi Foreign Minister, Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir on Thursday, showed "deep concern" at the ongoing tensions between Saudi Arabia and Iran and "called for resolution of differences through peaceful means."

The Saudi Foreign Minister called on the Prime Minister and held delegation level talks with the advisor to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs, Sartaj Aziz. He also met the Army Chief, General Raheel Sharif, at General Headquarters.

The visit comes at a time when Saudi Arabia and some of its Arab allies have severed diplomatic ties with Iran after a mob torched the Iranian embassy in Tehran this week.

The Foreign Ministry said that Al-Jubeir briefed the Prime Minister on the recent situation in the Kingdom's relations with Iran.

"Pakistan expressed deep concern at the escalation of the situation and condemned the burning down of Saudi Embassy in Tehran. The Prime Minister called for resolution of differences through peaceful means in the larger interest of the Muslim unity in this challenging time," the Foreign Ministry said at the conclusion of the Saudi FM's visit.

He said Pakistan believes in respect for international norms and adherence to principle of non-interference.

The Saudi Foreign Minister briefed the Prime Minister on details of the Islamic coalition, announced by Saudi Arabia to fight terrorism.

"The Prime Minister stated that Pakistan welcomes Saudi Arabia's initiative and stressed that Pakistan supports all such regional and international efforts to counter terrorism and extremism," a Foreign Ministry statement said.

Al-Jubeir held official talks with Pakistan Foreign Affairs Adviser, Sartaj Aziz and both exchanged views on fighting terrorism and extremism.

The two sides underscored the need to develop jointly a counter narrative against extremism and terrorism with the help of religious scholars.

The two delegations also discussed regional and global issues of common concern and agreed that both countries would make a concerted effort to promote multi-faceted cooperation and work together to defeat common enemy - terrorism and extremism. Enditem