Saudi Arab can play role in reducing tensions between Pakistan, India: Prince Faisal
ISLAMABAD: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud has said his country can play a role in reducing tensions between Pakistan and India.
Responding to questions during an interview with Pakistan Television, Prince Faisal praised the two nuclear-armed neighbours Pakistan and India for reviving and reinstating a ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC) in the disputed Kashmir region. He termed the move “an excellent step in the right direction”.
Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to Washington recently confirmed a key role that his country played in bringing about the ceasefire along the LoC. Ambassador Yousef Al Otaiba said the ceasefire would hopefully lead to “restoring diplomats and getting the relationship back to a healthy level”. The UAE is a close ally of Saudi Arabia.
“The visit of Imran Khan is extremely important in the history of brotherly relations. We have an excellent visit of the prime minister and many, many subjects (have been) covered,” he said.
During the talks in Saudi Arabia, Prince Faisal bin Farhan said, the two countries’ leaders focused on economic cooperation, facilitation of investment and trade.
Two countries worked together to enhance cooperation not just on issues of bilateral interest but also problems facing the entire Ummah, said the Saudi foreign minister.
Terming an increase in the number of blasphemous acts in Western countries “a dangerous trend”, the minister praised Mr Khan’s role in efforts to counter Islamophobia. “The OIC should be used to address such issues of intolerance,” he said.
“There must be a dialogue on how to address the escalating tone of disrespect (against) Islam and the Muslim nations need to come together to address the issue.
He said the bilateral agreement for establishment of Saudi-Pakistan Supreme Coordination Council was important to “institutionalise and nurture the political, security cooperation and most importantly economic cooperation”.
Referring to the joint statement issued on Saturday, Prince Faisal said both the sides would work to activate the council in order to realise the full potential of relations between the two countries and achieve tangible results.
Speaking about the green initiatives of Saudi government, he said, “I am sure we will work together to align both the (Saudi and Pakistani) initiatives and to learn from each other and benefit from each other’s experiences. Strong bilateral relations mean that we can partner on issues not only bilateral but also of global nature.”
Under its vision 2030, he said, the Saudi government planned to widen its employment base, which would open up opportunities for Pakistani nationals as well as businesses.
Talking about Afgan issue, Saudi FM said Pakistan had a very important role to play for a peaceful Afghanistan and the kingdom would work closely with the international community to help Afghanistan “find security and stability”.
