Jan 08 , 2016
News
Pakistan, Saudi Arabia agree on joint efforts against terrorism, extremism
APPISLAMABAD - Pakistan and Saudi Arabia Thursday agreed to make a concerted effort to promote multi-faceted cooperation and work together to defeat their common enemy - terrorism and extremism.
During the visit of Saudi Foreign Minister Dr Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir, the leadership of the two countries discussed a variety of matters of mutual interest and the regional situation including the ongoing tension between Iran and Saudi Arabia. According to the joint statement issued here on the visit, the Saudi Foreign Minister called on the Prime Minister and held delegation level talks with the Advisor to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz. He also met the Chief of Army Staff at General Headquarters.
Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, during his meeting with Dr Adel Al-Jubeir, stressed that the people of Pakistan held the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in high esteem and also had deep respect for the Custodian of the two Holy Mosques. The Prime Minister affirmed that the people of Pakistan would 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 welcomed Saudi Arabia's initiative and stressed that Pakistan supported 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 defense, security, economic and commercial cooperation. The Prime Minister urged intensified efforts to further boost bilateral trade and also urged to increase 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.
"Pakistan expressed deep concern at the escalation of the situation and condemned the burning down of Saudi Embassy in Tehran. Pakistan believes in respect for international norms and adherence to principle of non-interference," said the statement.
The Prime Minister called for resolution of differences through peaceful means in the larger interest of the Muslim unity in this challenging time. The visiting Foreign Minister also held delegation level talks with Advisor to the Prime Minister Sartaj Aziz.
During 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 alternatively in Islamabad and Riyadh.Both the sides also exchanged views on fighting terrorism and extremism. The Advisor briefed 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 their common enemy - terrorism and extremism.
All the meetings were held in an atmosphere of warmth, friendship and cordiality that characterizes the historic and fraternal relations between the two countries.
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk