Pakistan PM Khan and Iranian President Rouhani hold important joint press conference
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ISLAMABAD - Pakistan and Iran have agreed that issues between the countries should be resolved through political means and dialogue for regional security and stability.
Addressing a joint news conference along with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani after their meeting in Tehran today, Prime Minister Imran Khan said his visit is aimed at reducing tensions between Iran and Saudi Arabia as Pakistan does not want any other conflict in the region.
He said Pakistan has suffered 70,000 casualties in war on terrorism and neighboring Afghanistan also suffered badly in the conflict going on in that country. Imran Khan also mentioned the conflict in Syria and the plight of Syrians as a result of it.
The Prime Minister said Saudi Arabia is one of the closest friends of Pakistan and Riyadh has always helped us in all times of need.
Imran Khan emphasized that Pakistan does not want any conflict between Iran and Saudi Arabia while recognizing that it is a complex and complicated issue.
The Prime Minister said he strongly believes that any issue could be resolved through dialogue and talks.
He said any new conflict in the region could have far reaching implications and sufferings of people. The Prime Minister pointed out that a conflict in gulf region could lead to increase in oil prices and more poverty for the developing countries. He made it clear that some vested interests want conflict between Iran and Saudi Arabia.
Imran Khan unequivocally said that this is purely an initiative of Pakistan and no one asked us to do this.
He said he will visit Saudi Arabia on Tuesday with a positive state of mind and will emphasize the importance of dialogue between the two countries to resolve differences.
He said Pakistan will play the role of facilitator rather mediator in sorting out the differences between the two brotherly Muslim countries.
The Prime Minister said during his recent meeting with President Donald Trump, he was asked to do something on dialogue with Iran.
Imran Khan said in today's meeting with President Hassan Rouhani, we also discussed the issues between Iran and Saudi Arabia.
Earlier, Prime Minister Imran Khan held a meeting with President of Iran Hassan Rouhani at Tehran today.
Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Special Assistant Syed Zulfiqar Abbas Bukhari and senior officials were also present.
The Prime Minister held wide-ranging consultations with President Rouhani.
This is the second meeting between the two leaders within one month.
The Prime Minister said Pakistan attaches high importance to bilateral ties with Iran.
Prime Minister Imran Khan said Pakistan is willing to play its role towards strengthening peace and stability in the region.