ISLAMABAD – Pakistan and Iran have agreed that issues between the countriesshould be resolved through political means and dialogue for regionalsecurity and stability.
Addressing a joint news conference along with Iranian President HassanRouhani after their meeting in Tehran today, Prime Minister Imran Khan saidhis visit is aimed at reducing tensions between Iran and Saudi Arabia asPakistan does not want any other conflict in the region.
He said Pakistan has suffered 70,000 casualties in war on terrorism andneighboring Afghanistan also suffered badly in the conflict going on inthat country. Imran Khan also mentioned the conflict in Syria and theplight of Syrians as a result of it.
The Prime Minister said Saudi Arabia is one of the closest friends ofPakistan and Riyadh has always helped us in all times of need.
Imran Khan emphasized that Pakistan does not want any conflict between Iranand Saudi Arabia while recognizing that it is a complex and complicatedissue.
The Prime Minister said he strongly believes that any issue could beresolved through dialogue and talks.
He said any new conflict in the region could have far reaching implicationsand sufferings of people. The Prime Minister pointed out that a conflict ingulf region could lead to increase in oil prices and more poverty for thedeveloping countries. He made it clear that some vested interests wantconflict between Iran and Saudi Arabia.
Imran Khan unequivocally said that this is purely an initiative of Pakistanand no one asked us to do this.
He said he will visit Saudi Arabia on Tuesday with a positive state of mindand will emphasize the importance of dialogue between the two countries toresolve differences.
He said Pakistan will play the role of facilitator rather mediator insorting out the differences between the two brotherly Muslim countries.
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The Prime Minister said during his recent meeting with President DonaldTrump, he was asked to do something on dialogue with Iran.
Imran Khan said in today’s meeting with President Hassan Rouhani, we alsodiscussed the issues between Iran and Saudi Arabia.
Earlier, Prime Minister Imran Khan held a meeting with President of IranHassan Rouhani at Tehran today.
Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Special Assistant Syed ZulfiqarAbbas 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 tieswith Iran.
Prime Minister Imran Khan said Pakistan is willing to play its role towardsstrengthening peace and stability in the region.
