Saudi Arabia reaffirms support to Pakistan over Kashmir issue

FM Qureshi, Saudi counterpart discuss various issues including situation in Occupied Kashmir over phone call

As the Modi government has intensified human rights violations in Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IOJ&K), Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan on Monday reaffirmed the kingdom’s traditional support for the Kashmir cause, according to a statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA).

During a phone call, Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi and his Saudi counterpart agreed to remain in close contact to take forward the important bilateral agenda and close cooperation in various fields.



FM Qureshi shared deep concern over the continuing double lockdown as well as the intensification of military crackdown by Indian occupation forces and attempts to change the demographic structure of the disputed territory by introducing new domicile law.

He also lauded the recent statements of OIC and other international bodies which showed serious concerns and urged urgent steps to address the situation in IOJ&K.

The development comes as Indian troops have intensified their oppression against innocent people in Occupied Kashmir, killing over a hundred in the last few months.

The official statement said that both leaders discussed matters of mutual interest, including Covid-19 pandemic, enhanced bilateral cooperation and situation in IOJ&K.



FM Qureshi underscored that the fraternal ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are deep-rooted and multi-faceted and the strategic relationship between the two countries is growing in myriad dimensions.

He also thanked for condolence messages issued by King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman over the PIA plane crash.

FM Qureshi offered condolences on the loss of precious lives in Saudi Arabia due to Covid-19 pandemic and highlighted the measures being taken by Pakistan to contain the virus, with a focus on saving lives and securing livelihoods.

The two foreign ministers exchanged views about the socio-economic impacts of the pandemic. The Saudi FM expressed solidarity with Pakistan in its efforts to combat the outbreak.