Peace mission: FM arrives in Saudi Arabia

ISLAMABAD (92 News) – Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi has arrived in Saudi capital Riyadh on peace mission after completing his visit to Iran on Tuesday. He was received at King Khalid International Airport by Deputy Minister for Protocol Affairs of Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs Azzam Al Qain, Pakistan ambassador to Saudi Arabia Raja Ali Ijaz and senior officials of the embassy. The minister will call on his Saudi counterpart Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud to exchange views on peace and security situation in the region. FM Qureshi said that he had a constructive and positive meeting with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani. In a tweet, he said he reiterated efforts to deescalate tensions to the President which he supports. The minister said we are committed to exercising every diplomatic effort to achieve regional security and are clear that Pakistan soil will not be used for war. Earlier today, FM Qureshi called on Iranian President Dr Hassan Rouhani and discussed peace and stability in the region. During the meeting, Shah Mahmood Qureshi reaffirmed that Pakistan will remain committed to playing an active and positive role for bringing peace in the region. He apprised the Iranian president about Pakistan’s stance on the current situation. “Pakistan will not be part of any war in the region.” He stressed the need to resolve the issues by using diplomatic means to reduce tension in the region. “Pakistan stance has remained that the region cannot afford further escalation.” Shah Mahmood Qureshi also informed the Iranian president about his recent contacts with foreign ministers of different countries for peace in the region. “Recent statements by Iran are encouraging.” Lauding Pakistan’s peace efforts, the Iranian president made it clear that Iran does not want to escalate tension. The Foreign Minister thanked Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Syed Ali Khameini and the Iranian president on behalf of Prime Minister Imran Khan for raising their voice against the Indian atrocities in Occupied Kashmir and supporting Pakistan’s stance in this regard. He said Pakistan and Iran enjoy deep, historical, religious, cultural and brotherly relations. Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi will also visit Saudi Arabia to hold talks with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and consult on the issues of regional peace and stability.