ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s deputy prime minister and foreign minister, Ishaq Dar, and Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan on Friday resolved to strengthen bilateral relations between both nations as they discussed the regional situation, the Pakistani foreign office said.
The development comes amid gradually de-escalating tensions in South Asia after India and Pakistan traded missile, drone and artillery strikes this month, killing around 70 people including civilians on both sides.
The situation had alarmed world powers and friendly countries, including Saudi Arabia, and prompted rigorous diplomatic efforts that realized into a ceasefire between the nuclear-armed archfoes on May 10.
At the peak of the four-day conflict, Saudi Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Adel Al-Jubeir had also visited Pakistan, which followed his surprise stop in New Delhi for talks with Indian officials.
“Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and his Saudi counterpart Prince Faisal bin Farhan held talks,” the Pakistani foreign ministry said.
“The leaders reviewed aspects of the deep and brotherly relations between the two countries, reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in all fields, and discussed current regional developments.”
India struck Pakistan on May 7, accusing Islamabad of backing an attack in Indian-administered Kashmir that killed 26 people on April 22. Islamabad denies the charge.
Pakistan and India have fought multiple wars, including two of them over the disputed region of Kashmir, since their independence from British rule in 1947. Both rule the region in part but claim it in full.
Saudi Arabia and Pakistan share close diplomatic and strategic relations. The Kingdom has extended significant support to Pakistan during prolonged economic challenges faced by Islamabad in recent years, including external financing and assistance with International Monetary Fund (IMF) loan programs.
Saudi Arabia has also contributed to global peacemaking efforts by hosting talks and mediating prisoner exchanges between Russia and Ukraine.
