Sartaj Aziz meets Saudi FM, says cooperation between countries will increase
Saudi Foreign Minister Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir held talks with Sartaj Aziz in Islamabad.
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Saudi Foreign Minister Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir held delegation level talks with Advisor to the Prime Minister Sartaj Aziz on Thursday.
In the talks, held under bilateral political consultation mechanism, the two sides discussed the ways and means to further expand areas of bilateral cooperation.
The two sides also discussed ways to deepen bilateral cooperation in all fields. Both sides agreed to hold political consultations twice a year alternately in Islamabad and Riyadh.
Views were also exchanged on fighting terrorism and extremism.
The Advisor briefed the Saudi Foreign Minister on the successful campaign that Pakistan has waged against the twin menace of terrorism and extremism.
The two sides underscored the need to develop jointly a counter narrative against extremism and terrorism with the help of Ulemas.
The two delegations also discussed regional and global issues of common concern. It was agreed that both countries would make a concerted effort to promote multi-faceted cooperation and work together to defeat our common enemy - terrorism and extremism.
Talking to media, Sartaj Aziz said that Saudi Foreign Minister s visit to Pakistan is very fruitful as both the countries discussed regional situation and matters of mutual interest.
Sartaj Aziz said Pakistan has expressed concerns on the attack on Saudi Embassy in Tehran and growing tension between Saudi Arabia and Iran.
He said efforts would be made to reduce tension and draw a political solution to the situation.
To a question, the advisor said role of every country in 34-nation alliance of the Muslim countries is voluntary and all the member states are free to define their role in the coalition.
Sartaj Aziz said Pakistan has always supported all alliances meant for fighting terrorism.
Later, the visiting Foreign Minister met Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.
PM Nawaz affirmed that the people of Pakistan will always stand shoulder to shoulder with the people of Saudi Arabia against any threat to territorial integrity and sovereignty of Saudi Arabia.
The 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.
The Prime Minister called for further strengthening and expanding bilateral relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, in all fields of cooperation, including defence, security, economic and commercial cooperation.
He urged intensified efforts to further boost bilateral trade.
Nawaz Sharif also urged increased Saudi investment in Pakistan, especially in the energy sector where Pakistan offers attractive investment regime. The
Saudi Foreign Minister briefed the Prime Minister on the ongoing programs to enhance Saudi investment in critical sectors of Pakistan s economy.
Foreign Minister Al-Jubeir briefed the Prime Minister on the recent situation in the Kingdom‘s relations with Iran.
The Prime Minister called for resolution of differences through peaceful means in the larger interest of the Muslim unity in this challenging time.
