Pakistan Welcomes Iran’s Improved Ties With Major Powers

Islamabad, Jan 8, IRNA – Pakistan said on Tuesday that Iran’s improved relations with major countries will have positive impact on the region. Advisor on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz speaking at a joint press conference with Saudi Foreign Minister Saud Al Faisal in Islamabad welcomed Iran’s understanding with big powers on nuclear issue. Talking bout his talks with Saudi Foreign Minister he said Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have agreed to enhance cooperation in all fields including investment‚ trade‚ energy and export of skilled and semi-skilled manpower to the Kingdom. Sartaj Aziz said Pakistan and Saudi Arabia in todays talks have reiterated to further expand these relations for the benefit of the peoples of two countries. Appreciating Saudi economic assistance‚ Sartaj Aziz said there is mutual desire to further intensify economic interaction. The advisor said both the countries share similarity of views on international and regional issues. He said Pakistan and Saudi Arabia stand by each other and share views on peace and stability in the region. In his remarks‚ the Saudi Foreign Minister pointed out that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia enjoy historic and deep rooted relations and his country does not interfere in the internal affairs of Pakistan. He said his country will continue to provide all possible assistance for economic stability in the country. He said designs of those plotting to spoil Pakistan-Saudi Arabia relations should be thwarted. The Saudi Foreign Minister said his country will extend cooperation to Pakistan in energy and other sectors. On the issue of Syria‚ the Saudi foreign minister called upon all the groups to sit together to find a peaceful solution of the crisis. Later‚ Prime Ministers Advisor on National Security and Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz has said whole Muslim Ummah has badly been affected by the sectarian violence. Talking to journalists in Foreign Office on Tuesday‚ he said Muslim unity is very important and this issue has generally been discussed in talks with Saudi Foreign Minister. He said both the sides deliberated on defusing sectarianism in Muslim countries./end