ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: The visiting Saudi Foreign Minister Adel Bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir held a series of meetings with Pakistani civilian and military leadership soon after his arrival in Islamabad on Thursday, and discussed bilateral relations and regional security situation with especial emphasize on 34-country alliance and Saudi-Iran tension.
In his meeting with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, the Saudi foreign minister exchanged views on regional security situation and matters of bilateral interest.
The two dignitaries also discussion the recently formed Saudi-led 34-nation alliance against terrorism and extremism, as well as the growing tension between Saudi Arabia and Iran following the execution of Shia Cleric Sheikh Nimr Al-Nimr.
The meeting was also attended by Prime Minister’s Advisor on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz, Prime Minister’s Special Assistant on Foreign Affairs Tariq Fatemi, National Security Advisor Nasir Khan Janjua, Foreign Secretary Aizaz Ahmed Chaudhry and Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Abdullah Marzouk Al Zahrani among other top officials.
Pakistan has expressed its series concerns over recent escalation of tension between Saudi Arabia and Iran after their bilateral diplomatic relations ended following the execution of Nimr Al-Nimr and the consequent torching of the Saudi embassy by a mob in Tehran, and has been urging restraint to both Riyadh and Tehran.
The Saudi foreign minister also called on Sartaj Aziz and discussed bilateral cooperation.
Earlier, after his arrival in Islamabad, the Saudi foreign minister held a meeting with the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Raheel Sharif in Rawalpindi.
During the meeting, they held a discussion regarding issues pertaining to bilateral relations and regional security situation.
In his remarks during the meeting, the Saudi foreign minister lauded Pakistan’s phenomenal successes in fight against terrorism and efforts towards regional stability.
