RIYADH, Jan 18 (DNA): Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif Monday expressed deep concern over recent escalation of tension between Saudi Arabia and Iran calling for resolution of differences through peaceful means in larger interest of Ummah, particularly during these challenging times.In his meeting with Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al- Saud here, the Prime Minister recalled Pakistan’s consistent policy of promoting brotherhood among member states of the Organization of the Islamic Cooperation (OIC), said a joint statement issued by the Foreign Office.

The Prime Minister said that Pakistan always expressed readiness to offer its good offices to brotherly Muslim countries, for resolution of their differences through dialogue and reconciliation.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif led a high level delegation to Saudi Arabia including Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif, Prime Minister’s National Security Advisor Nasser Khan Janjua and Special Assistant to PM on Foreign Affairs Tariq Fatemi.

During the meeting, both the sides exchanged views on various facets of enduring cooperation with regard to Saudi initiative of formation of the coalition of Islamic countries against terrorism.

The Prime Minister reiterated that “the people of Pakistan would always stand with the people of Saudi Arabia against any threat to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Kingdom.”

The people of Pakistan hold the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in high esteem and have deep respect for the Custodian of the two Holy Mosques. Both peoples are bonded through historical, cultural and Islamic ties of brotherhood.

​During the talks, both sides underscored the need for further strengthening of bilateral relations, in all fields, including defence, security, economic and commercial cooperation.

​During the meeting, views were also exchanged on various facets of enduring cooperation with regard to the Saudi initiative of formation of the Coalition of Islamic countries against terrorism. Pakistan deeply appreciates the Saudi initiative and assured the Kingdom of its support. The Prime Minister reiterated that the people of Pakistan would always stand with the people of Saudi Arabia against any threat to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Kingdom.

King Salman bin Abdul Aziz appreciated reconciliatory efforts by the Pakistani leadership, and said Saudi Arabia wants brotherhood among the Muslim countries.

The two delegations also discussed regional and global issues of common concerns. Views were exchanged on fighting terrorism and extremism. It was agreed that both countries would work together to defeat our common enemy – terrorism and extremism. DNA

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