ISLAMABAD, Jan 13 (NNN-APP) – Pakistani Foreign Minister, Shah Mahmood Qureshi, embarked on a visit to Iran and Saudi Arabia, for talks with counterparts in the Middle East.
Pakistani Prime Minister, Imran Khan, asked Qureshi to visit Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United States, after a U.S. airstrike killed Iranian senior commander, Qassem Soleimani, in Iraq.
Like other regional countries, Pakistan was also concerned over the growing tensions between Iran and the United States, as it would have negative effect on the country.
Qureshi left for Tehran Sunday morning, on the first leg of his visit, according to the Foreign Ministry of Pakistan. He is accompanied by Foreign Secretary, Sohail Mahmood and senior officials of the foreign ministry.
“While in Tehran, the foreign minister met Iranian Foreign Minister, Javad Zarif, and exchanged views on the evolving situation in the Middle East/Gulf region,” according to a Foreign Ministry statement.
He will visit Saudi Arabia today (Monday), to hold talks with Saudi Foreign Minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud and consult on the issues of regional peace and stability.
During these visits, the foreign minister will share Pakistan’s perspective on the current situation, stress the imperative of avoiding any conflict, underscore the importance of defusing tensions, and stress the need for finding a diplomatic way forward.
Qureshi will convey Pakistan’s readiness to support all efforts that facilitate resolution of differences and disputes through political and diplomatic means, the statement said.– NNN-APP