PM Imran Khan meets King Salman, crown prince to reduce Saudi-Iran tension

RIYADH (92 News) – Prime Minister Imran Khan held meetings with King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman during his one-day visit to reduce to tension between two brotherly countries on Tuesday. They discussed the matters of mutual interest. The prime minister stressed the need for resolve the disputes through diplomacy and politically. He also apprised the Saudi authorities about situation in Indian Occupied Kashmir. Riyadh Governor Faisal Bin Bandar Bin Abdul Aziz Al-Saud and National Security Adviser Dr Musaid Al Aiban welcomed him at the airport. Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Special Assistant to PM on Overseas Pakistanis Syed Zulfiqar Bukhari also accompanied him. The prime minister will hold key meetings with Saudi leadership to find out solution to reduce tension. However, Iran agrees on negotiation with Saudi Arabia. During the visit, Prime Minister Imran Khan will hold meetings with King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman. He will inform the Saudi leadership about the Iran visit. Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi is also accompanying him. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=48SXHy6dgUs Earlier addressing a joint news conference along with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani after their meeting in Tehran today, Imran Khan said in today’s meeting with President Hassan Rouhani, we also discussed the issues between Iran and Saudi Arabia. The premier said Saudi Arabia is one of the closest friends of Pakistan and Riyadh has always helped us in all times of need. He said he strongly believes that any issue could be resolved through dialogue and talks. He said any new conflict in the region could have far reaching implications and sufferings of people.

Conflict in Gulf can lead to increase in oil prices

Imran Khan pointed out that a conflict in gulf region could lead to increase in oil prices and more poverty for the developing countries. He clarified that some vested interests want conflict between Iran and Saudi Arabia. Imran Khan unequivocally said that this is purely an initiative of Pakistan and no one asked us to do this. He said he will visit Saudi Arabia on Tuesday with a positive state of mind and will emphasize the importance of dialogue between the two countries to resolve differences.

Pakistan suffered 70,000 casualties in war on terrorism

The premier said his visit is aimed at reducing tensions between Iran and Saudi Arabia as Pakistan does not want any other conflict in the region. He said Pakistan has suffered 70,000 casualties in war on terrorism and neighboring Afghanistan also suffered badly in the conflict going on in that country. Imran Khan also mentioned the conflict in Syria and the plight of Syrians as a result of it.

Pakistan will play role of facilitator rather mediator

The prime minister said Pakistan will play the role of facilitator rather mediator in sorting out the differences between the two brotherly Muslim countries. The Prime Minister said during his recent meeting with President Donald Trump, he was asked to do something on dialogue with Iran.

Hassan Rouhani welcomes Pakistani gesture for peace

“I told Prime Minster Imran we welcome any gesture by Pakistan for peace in the region and appreciate his visit to our country,” said Irnaian President Rouhani at a joint press conference with the premier. Rouhani said that the two leaders had discussed, among other things, the war in Yemen and the sanctions by the US on Iran. “Regional issues have to be resolved through regional means and dialogue. We also emphasised that any goodwill gesture will be responded with a goodwill gesture and good words,” said the Iranian president. “We also discussed how the nuclear deal could be restored,” Rouhani added.