Crown prince lauds PM Imran's desire for peace with India

Mohammad bin Salman lauds Pakistani efforts to resolve issues with India as he concludes two-day trip

ISLAMABAD: Praising the steps taken by Pakistan and Prime Minister Imran Khan towards forging better ties with India, Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud has stressed that dialogue is the only way to resolve outstanding issues between the two nuclear-armed neighbours and ensure peace and stability in the region.

As he wrapped up his two day visit to Pakistan on Monday, the crown prince – who is also Saudi Arabia's deputy prime minister and minister of defence – also joined Premier Imran in strongly condemning the atrocities and human rights violations committed against Muslims around the world

20 ارب ڈالر کی سرمایہ کاری سے لیکر پاکستانی قیدیوں کی رہائی تک یہ سب کچھ وزیراعظم عمران خان نے کر کے دیکھایا کیونکہ عمران خان کی ترجیح ذاتی مفادات نہیں بلکہ ملکی مفادات ہے، وزیراعظم عمران خان کی بدولت آج پاکستان کا نام پوری دنیا میں روشن ہوا ہے۔#ThanksPMIKandCrownPrince pic.twitter.com/hVy42tCHtB

— PTI (@PTIofficial) February 18, 2019

During official talks in Islamabad, Prince Mohammad singled out Premier Imran's decision to open the Kartarpur crossing point with India for praise, according to a statement issued upon the conclusion of the Saudi dignitary's visit. He also lauded the prime minister's openness and efforts normalise the relationship between Islamabad and New Delhi.

Premier Imran briefed the crown prince on the grave human rights violations in Indian Occupied Kashmir and the need for resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions and wishes of the Kashmiri people.

Both leaders also agreed on the importance of a political settlement to the conflict in Afghanistan so that millions of Afghan refugees in neighboring countries can return to their country. According to the statement, Prince Mohammad particularly appreciated Pakistan's generous hosting of millions of Afghan refugees and other initiatives by Islamabad with regards to Afghanistan.

The two leaders reiterated their countries' commitment to combating extremism and militancy and expressed deep appreciation for the achievements and sacrifices made by both Pakistan and Saudi Arabia in the war against terrorism. While calling on the international community to join global efforts to combat the scourge, they underlined the need to avoid politicization of the UN listing regime.

The Pakistani side appreciated the leadership and positive role of Saudi Arabia in resolving the issues facing the Islamic community worldwide. The Saudi side lauded Pakistan's important positions in the Islamic world and its efforts for regional peace and security. Both sides noted with satisfaction their strong defence and security ties, and agreed to further enhance cooperation in this field.

Both leaders called for a need to promote dialogue, respect and understanding among followers of different faiths to promote peace and interfaith harmony.



Prime Minister Imran expressed his deepest gratitude to the Crown Prince for his immediate consent to release 2,107 Pakistani prisoners from Saudi jails. He praised the leadership of Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud and the efforts of his government, especially services arranged for the millions of pilgrims who visit the two holy mosques every year. The premier also lauded the initiatives launched by Prince Mohammad to push Saudi Arabia towards rapid progress, particularly Vision 2030.

The crown prince, meanwhile, appreciated Premier Imran's agenda of transforming Pakistan into a welfare state, based on Islamic socio-economic principles and assured him of the Kingdom's continued support.

Both leaders noted the growing momentum in the countries' bilateral relations in all areas of cooperation. With a view to enhancing bilateral relations, the two brotherly countries decided to establish a Joint Supreme Coordination Council co-chaired by the Crown Prince and the Pakistani premier.

The two leaders also agreed to further strengthen measures to promote trade and witnessed the signing of a number of agreements and memorandums of understanding pertaining to investment opportunities worth over $20 billion.

At the end of the visit, Prince Mohammad expressed his thanks to Prime Minister Imran and the people of Pakistan for their warm hospitality and brotherly feelings. The premier expressed his best wishes to the health and wellness of King Salman and expressed hope that he too would visit Pakistan in the near future.

(WITH ADDITIONAL INPUT FROM APP)