Summary PM Nawaz will lead a high level delegation to reduce tension between the two countries.
ISLAMABAD (Web Desk / AFP) - Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif will lead a high level delegation to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Islamic Republic of Iran on 18 and 19 January 2016, to exchange views on regional andand ease tension between the two Muslim countries.
"As is well known, Pakistan enjoys cordial and brotherly relations with both countries, which are characterized by strong bonds of affinity, mutual respect and solidarity, and draw strength from shared historical, cultural and Islamic values," the Foreign Office said in a statement.
The FO said: "Pakistan is deeply concerned at the recent escalation of tensions between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Islamic Republic of Iran. The Prime Minister has called for resolution of differences through peaceful means, in the larger interest of Muslim unity, particularly during these challenging times. Pakistan has consistently advocated the policy of promoting brotherhood among member states of OIC."
Saudi Arabia and Iran are already fighting a proxy war in Yemen and support opposing sides in the Syrian conflict. But tensions have reached new heights in the past two weeks.
Saudi Arabia and a number of its Arab allies cut diplomatic ties with Iran after protesters angry at Riyadh’s execution of a prominent Shia cleric on January 2 sacked its embassy in Tehran.
Pakistan-based analyst Hasan Askari backed Sharif’s bid to defuse tension.
"It’s a very positive move in the right direction. The tension between the two countries is destabilising for the region," Askari told AFP.
"Pakistan itself is passing through a difficult time and that’s why (it is) trying to stop the spillover in regional tension," Askari said, referring to sectarian friction in the country.
Pakistan‘s decision this month to join Saudi Arabia’s 34-country coalition against extremism sparked a domestic protest by the main opposition parties, who called for negotiations between Riyadh and Tehran and put Islamabad under pressure to mediate.
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