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Pakistan PM meets Saudi King, calling for end to Saudi-Iran tensions

Xinhua, January 19, 2016 Adjust font size:

ISLAMABAD, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif met Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud in Riyadh on Monday and "expressed deep concern on the recent escalation of tensions between Saudi Arabia and Iran.

The Pakistan PM will also visit Iran on Tuesday as a part of his two-nation tour which mainly aims at reducing tensions between Saudi Arabia and Iran.

Saudi Arabia severed diplomatic relations with Iran earlier this month after a mob burnt the Saudi embassy in Tehran. The demonstrators were protesting against the execution of a Shiite cleric in Saudi Arabia.

Nawaz Sharif also called for early resolution of differences between Saudi Arabia and Iran through peaceful means, in the larger interest of the Muslim nations, particularly during these challenging times.

He said that Pakistan is always ready to offer its good offices to brotherly Muslim countries, for resolution of their differences through dialogue and reconciliation, according to a statement.

Several Arab countries also broke diplomatic relations with Iran to show solidarity with Saudi Arabia.

Nawaz Sharif led a high level delegation to Saudi Arabia that also includes Army Chief, General Raheel Sharif.

King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud appreciated the initiative of the Pakistani leadership and observed that Saudi Arabia has always strived to promote brotherhood amongst Muslim countries, a statement from the PM office in Islamabad said.

He also acknowledged and appreciated the sincere sentiments of the people of Pakistan that they hold for their Saudi brethren and the Kingdom.

During the meeting, views were also exchanged on various facets of enduring cooperation with regard to the recent Saudi initiative of formation of the Coalition of Islamic countries against terrorism.

Pakistan deeply appreciates the Saudi initiative and assured the Kingdom of its support, the statement said.

Both sides also discussed regional and global issues of common concerns. It was agreed that both countries would work together to defeat their common enemy terrorism and extremism.

During the talks, both sides underscored the need for further strengthening of bilateral relations, in all fields, including defence, security, economic and commercial cooperation. Endit