Bilawal felicitates Saudi, Iranian counterparts on historic deal

Pakistan views development as positive as it often had to tread carefully in its ties with both countries

ISLAMABAD:

Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Tuesday telephoned his Saudi and Iranian counterparts to congratulate them on their rapprochement brokered by China in a crucial development that may bring a positive impact on Pakistan.

Saudi Arabia and Iran recently agreed to restore their diplomatic ties severed in 2016 after a series of events. The deal was signed by the national security advisers of the two countries in Beijing recently. China played the role of a mediator, something that shook many by a surprise.

As part of the agreement, Saudi Arabia and Iran will reopen their respective diplomatic missions within two months and revive the 2001 security pact. Following the landmark move, the Saudi king invited the Iranian president on a visit to the kingdom.

Pakistan viewed the development as positive as it often had to tread carefully in its ties with Saudi Arabia and Iran.

On Tuesday, the foreign minister held a telephonic conversation with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud and congratulated him on the recent normalisation of relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran announced through the “Trilateral Joint Statement” and appreciated the leadership of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for this positive development.

Read more: ‘Saudi-Iran accord beacon of hope for regional peace’

The minister added that the agreement will pave the way for the initiation of meaningful dialogue for peace, security, trade and development in the entire region.

Reaffirming the fraternal relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, the two foreign ministers reiterated their mutual commitment to further expand and diversify the bilateral strategic partnership. They also stressed the vital role of high-level exchanges for cementing ties between the two countries.

Bilawal also held a telephone conversation with Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian of Iran. Extending warm felicitations on the signing of the Joint Trilateral Statement by Iran, Saudi Arabia and China, on March 10, in Beijing, the foreign minister termed the resumption of diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran a testament to the wisdom and farsightedness of the leadership of the two countries. The foreign minister also commended the important role played by China in facilitating this process.

Underscoring Pakistan’s close fraternal relations with Iran and Saudi Arabia, the foreign minister stressed that the renewal of diplomatic ties between the two brotherly countries would serve as a harbinger for peace, prosperity and development for the entire region.

Taking note of the upward trajectory in Pakistan-Iran relations, the two foreign ministers expressed their resolve to further intensify cooperation across the entire spectrum of bilateral ties.