ISLAMABAD: Revival of diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran is "good news" for the Muslim world, Pakistani prime minister's special representative on Middle East, Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi, said on Monday.
On March 10, Saudi Arabia and Iran agreed to reestablish diplomatic relations and reopen their embassies within two months following years of tensions between them. The agreement between the two sides was brokered by China.
In a joint statement, Tehran and Riyadh both acknowledged respect for the sovereignty of each other's states and agreed on the need for non-interference in internal affairs of countries.
Pakistan had welcomed the initiative, calling it an “important diplomatic breakthrough."
Ashrafi, who heads the Pakistan Ulema Council (PUC)—a Muslim body that comprises leading religious scholars and clerics in Pakistan—said in a statement that the resumption of ties between the two arch-rivals would prove to be "good news" for the Muslim Ummah.
"He [Ashrafi] said that the restoration of Iran-Saudi Arabia relations is a good news for the Muslim Ummah and the role of Pakistan's great friend China in this regard is very positive and commendable," a statement by the PUC quoted Ashrafi as saying.
Ashrafi said the Islamic world was currently embroiled in turmoil due to external interference, extremism and sectarian violence. "The restoration of Saudi Arabia-Iran relations will bring many benefits to Pakistan," Ashrafi said, adding that the Islamic world must solve its problems through unity.
He praised Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for playing an active role in promoting peace.
"The role played by the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman, under the patronage of Khadim-e-Harmain Al-Sharifain Shah Salman bin Abdulaziz, is being appreciated all over the world for the end of wars and for the cause of peace," he added.
In response to a question, Ashrafi referred to Saudi Arabia as the "center and great power" of the Islamic world.
Speaking on the issue of occupied Palestine and Indian-administered Kashmir, the cleric said that Saudi Arabia, China and Russia should also play their "full role" in resolving the crisis.
"Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have the same position on the issue of Palestine, until a free and independent Palestinian state is established, relations with Israel cannot be thought of," he said.
