Pakistan

Saudi foreign minister meets PM, army chief

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

News Desk/abdul Manan January 07, 2016

Saudi foreign minister Adel Bin Ahmed al Jubeir calls on Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif at PM’s House on January 7, 2016. PHOTO: INP

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.

Saudi foreign minister due in Islamabad today

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.

Pakistan urges Saudi Arabia, Iran to resolve difference through peaceful means

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.

PTV NEWS SCREENGRAB

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.

Saudi-led coalition: Pakistan won’t support moves against Syria or Iran, say officials

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.

COMMENTS (10)

Sane Khan | 8 years ago | Reply @ Rahul Do you want the officials to meet you as well?

Rahul | 8 years ago | Reply Only in Pakistan is an official trip complete after meeting both the PM and the army chief. No where else.

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Sane Khan | 8 years ago | Reply @ Malik Saab Sir! It is not Iran that is hurting us. It is out inconsistent policies and Saudi Riyal donations that are hurting us. What has happened so drastic in the last 60 years, that from being the first country to acknowledge its creation in 1947, Iran today is being considered as almost an enemy? Look at our policies and history. Perhaps you would stop blaming Iran today, USA tomorrow, Turkey the day after and China after that.

Malik Saab | 8 years ago | Reply @AK: Kindly stop this debate. Followers of PMLN belong from all walks of Life and they are all Pakistanis. We should remember that Saudia Employ more than 1 million Pakistanis. They are our biggest employers. If they need support then we should help them as it is in our economic interest to do that. Those people who are tying to fan Shia-Sunni discussion into it are not the sincere of Pakistan. Iran even do not want to develop a simple highway with Pakistan. They have a cultural exchange program with India, but they declined it with Pakistan. Then they started Chahbahar port with the help of India to counter Gwadar. So who is hurting our strategic interests?.

Jibran | 8 years ago | Reply Why he needed to come all the way here when his agents are at the top of the government.

Sara Khan | 8 years ago | Reply Pakistan is still recovering from Saudi let Afghan war in 80's. PM & Army Chief should make it clear to these Saudi crooks that we are not going to be part of their adventures with Iran, Yemen and Syria. Its all about protecting Saudi Royal Family not religion

No | 8 years ago | Reply @AK: No. The alliance is against what Saudi Arabia considers extremists, which mostly are per Saudi Arabia are Khawarij.

Jeff | 8 years ago | Reply He meet Raheel first and then Mian saab, And Indian PM is asking Mian saab to investigate the airforce base attack in india in 72 hours. Guess they don't know who rule the country, hahaha

hasan | 8 years ago | Reply Please do not see this as Shia - Sunni conflict. Iran and Saudi Arabia are currently going through major developments in their region. Iran has always even during the time of the Shah has seen itself as having the legacy of 3000 year old Persian empire. Hence Iran wants to reclaim that legacy and with the American influence gradually receding Iran wants to be the dominating power in the middle east. Therefore if Iran gets a chance it will want to extend its alliances where ever it can. With Iraq fractured and Iran having old relations with certain group of people in iraq, Iran is taking advantage of this opportunity. Same is the case for Iran in Yeman and Syria. Saudis don't like being surrounded by Iranian allies and they are right. Now where does this leave pakistan? Here is what we know. India with the help of Iran is currently building Chabahar port in Iran which is right next to gwadar. Second. In 1998 when pakistan tested its nuclear weapon in response to india, pakistan came under huge economic sanctions when its currency reserves were down to $400 million. At this time Saudis came to Pakistan's help and provided all its oil supplies for the next three years at defered payments. Yes pakistan must not get involved in Iran - saudi conflict but remember every thing has its limits.

AK | 8 years ago | Reply The Saudi FM should be honest and state clearly that this is a Sunni alliance against Shias. A little bit of honesty does not hurt.

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