Summary Steering committee’s meeting is scheduled in January, says Aziz
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Advisor to the Prime Minister (PM) on National Security and Foreign Affairs (NSA) Sartaj Aziz on Wednesday has said that participation in Saudi Arabia’s 34-country alliance against terror outfits was voluntarily and not under any agreement.
While talking to the media after unveiling of feature film ‘Journey into Europe’, Aziz said that country’s policy and interest would be kept in mind for participation in the alliance.
He said that Pakistan agrees with the reason behind forming a large-scale alliance. However, the decision would be taken after taking into account country’s policy.
The NSA said that Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Raheel Sharif would visit Afghanistan in December. Whereas he said that Pakistan-India foreign secretary-level talks would be held in January, he added.
Aziz said that steering committee’s meeting participants of which include Pakistan, United States, China and Afghanistan would be held in the coming month. The meeting would review Afghanistan peace process, he added.
Foreign Office spokesman Qazi Khalilullah on December 17 said that the department is in contact with Saudi authorities to inquire about Pakistan s role in the grand alliance.
The spokesperson said that Pakistan supports international and regional efforts to curb terrorism. He said that Pakistan and Saudi cooperate in diverse fields and have brotherly ties.
The announcement took some Muslim countries by surprise as no formal contact was made however, the regional countries welcomed the offer. The grand alliance include Egypt, Lebanon, Libya, Jordon and others.
