Imran Khan urges ‘avoiding military conflict’ in Gulf on Saudi Arabia visit

Riyadh - Khan has visited Iran and Saudi Arabia in recent days to defuse tensions.

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By Spa/APP

Published: Wed 16 Oct 2019, 11:39 AM

Last updated: Fri 18 Oct 2019, 9:41 AM

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia met the Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan, on Tuesday.
During the meeting, they discussed close relations between the two fraternal countries, aspects of bilateral co-operation, as well as the latest developments at the regional and international arenas and efforts exerted towards them, according to the Spa.
Imran Khan stressed on "avoiding of military conflict and pursuing constructive engagement of all parties" as he concluded his talks with the leadership of Saudi Arabia on current Gulf situation, according to a statement issued by the PM house on Wednesday.

The statement issued on the conclusion of the prime minister's visit to Saudi Arabia said, "the Prime Minister conveyed Pakistan's readiness to facilitate efforts for?de-escalation of tensions and resolution of differences and disputes through peaceful means."
Khan - during his day-long visit - held separate meetings with the Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman.
The visit was part of the prime minister's initiative for peace and security in the region.
He was accompanied by a high-level delegation including Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Overseas Pakistanis Syed Zulfiqar Abbas Bukhari and senior officials.
The Saudi leadership appreciated the serious efforts of Khan towards promoting peace and stability in the region and the impact of this initiative on deescalation of tensions.
"The exchange of views in this regard was comprehensive and constructive. Noting the complexity of the issues and recognising the challenges involved, the two sides agreed to remain engaged and consult closely to take the process forward," the statement mentioned.
During the meetings, the PM underscored that multi-faceted and? deep-rooted relationship between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan could be further in fields of bilateral trade, energy, investment and people-to-people contacts.
Kashmir
Khan once again apprised the Saudi leadership of the humanitarian crisis in Jammu and Kashmir, including the continuous lockdown, curfew and other communication restrictions for 70 days that had severely impacted the lives of over eight million Kashmiris and seriously imperiled peace and security in the region.
The PM reaffirmed that Pakistan would always be shoulder-to-shoulder with Saudi Arabia.

Spa/APP

Published: Wed 16 Oct 2019, 11:39 AM

Last updated: Fri 18 Oct 2019, 9:41 AM

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