Saudi foreign minister meets PM, army chief

Al Jubeir will share details about the newly-formed alliance of Islamic countries against terrorism and extremism

ISLAMABAD: Saudi foreign minister Adel Bin Ahmed al Jubeir called on Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif at PM's House after his arrival in Islamabad on Thursday.

Saudi's Foreign Minister is being warmly welcomed by #PM Sharif. Hv a look on way of welcoming gesture pic.twitter.com/wxOKUOTgiV

— Abdul Manan (@manan189) January 7, 2016

The minister has arrived in the country to share details with Pakistani authorities regarding the newly-formed alliance of Islamic countries against terrorism and extremism.

Jubeir was originally supposed to visit last Sunday but delayed his trip due to the situation arising out of escalation in tensions between Saudi Arabia and Iran following the execution of a prominent Shia cleric by the Kingdom.

Prior to his meeting with the premier, Saudi foreign minister called on the army chief General Raheel Sharif at the GHQ in Rawalpindi and discussed regional security besides other matters.

PHOTO: ISPR

Jubeir on the occasion commended the efforts of the armed forces towards eradicating terrorism and ensuring stability in the region.



Earlier on Thursday, Al Jubeir was received by Prime Minister’s Adviser on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz at Noor Khan Airbase, Rawalpindi.

His visit comes at a time when Pakistan is trying to follow a delicate path in order to preempt any negative fallout of rising tensions between Saudi Arabia and Iran. A senior official told The Express Tribune that Pakistan is seeking a de-escalation of tensions between the two key Muslim countries and that it is ready to act as a mediator instead of taking sides.



Officially, Pakistan voiced deep concerns over the Saudi-Iran row and warned that dark forces of extremism and terrorism could take advantage of this division between the Muslim countries.

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This supercharged atmosphere has even put Pakistan in the tight corner as far as its role in the Saudi-led 34-nation alliance is concerned, which is going to be the main talking point between Jubeir and authorities in Islamabad.

After initial confusion, Pakistan announced its participation in the alliance but said the scope of its participation was yet to be decided.



Sources said the Saudi foreign minister will share details of the alliance. The alliance does not include countries such as Iran, Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria.