Shehbaz Sharif's visit to the Kingdom, accompanied by a high-level delegation, marked his first foreign trip during his second term as the PM of Pakistan.
Saudi Arabia and Pakistan deliberated on the criticality of constructive dialogue between Islamabad and New Delhi to address their “outstanding issues”, particularly the Kashmir matter. This affirmation came through a joint statement released following an official meeting between Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi de facto ruler Prince Mohammed bin Salman on April 7 at Al-Safa Palace in Mecca.
“The two sides stressed the importance of dialogue between Pakistan and India to resolve the outstanding issues between the two countries, especially the Jammu and Kashmir dispute to ensure peace and stability in the region,” it read.
India”s long-held stance has been that Kashmir is a bilateral matter between itself and Pakistan, rejecting any mediation or intervention by third parties. New Delhi has reiterated that Jammu and Kashmir “was, is and shall forever” remain an integral part of the country. India has said it desires normal neighbourly relations with Pakistan in an environment free of terror, hostility, and violence.
Saudi Arabia has maintained a balanced approach over Jammu and Kashmir. While the Kingdom expressed concern over India”s abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, it did not explicitly condemn the actions, instead referring to it as New Delhi”s internal matter.
The discussions between the two leaders also revolved around bolstering the fraternal relations between the two nations and exploring avenues for expanded collaboration across various sectors, as highlighted in the joint statement.
The joint statement highlighted the Gulf Kingdom”s supportive role in Pakistan”s economy, their mutual commitments to bolster trade and investment ties. “Both parties affirmed their commitment to expediting the first wave of investment package worth $ 5 billion which was discussed previously,” it read.
The leaders exchanged views on regional and global developments of shared interest, including the concerning situation in Gaza. They urged international efforts to cease Israeli military operations in Gaza and alleviate the humanitarian crisis.
“They discussed the need for advancing the peace process in accordance with relevant resolutions of the Security Council and the General Assembly as well as the Arab Peace Initiative aimed at finding a just and comprehensive solution, for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital,” according to the statement.
Sharif”s visit to the Kingdom, accompanied by a high-level delegation, marked his first foreign trip during his second term as the PM of Pakistan.
