Saudi Arabia, Iran brotherly countries: PM Nawaz

[Passionaire]

Saudi Arabia, Iran brotherly countries: PM Nawaz

Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Tariq Fatemi, Army Chief General Raheel Sharif and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif can be seen onboard an aircraft enroute from Saudi Arabia to Iran. — Photo: PMO

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in meeting with Iranian President Hasan Rouhani.─ Photo: PMO

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and COAS Raheel Sharif holding talks with Iranian defence minister Hossein Dehghan.─ Photo: PMO

Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Tariq Fatemi, Army Chief General Raheel Sharif and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif can be seen onboard an aircraft enroute from Saudi Arabia to Iran. — Photo: PMO

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in meeting with Iranian President Hasan Rouhani.─ Photo: PMO

TEHRAN: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Tuesday said that Saudi Arabia and Iran are brotherly nations and Pakistan wants to defuse tensions between the two countries.

Speaking to media in Tehran after meeting Iranian President Hasan Rouhani and his cabinet members, the premier said Pakistan had achieved success in normalising ties between the two countries in 1997 and also played the same role during tensions between Iran and Iraq.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif had arrived in Tehran Tuesday ─ a day after holding meetings with Saudi leadership in Riyadh in a bid to defuse tensions between the two countries that soar after the hanging of a Shia cleric by Saudi Arabia.

After arrival Gen Raheel met Iran's Defence Minister Hossein Dehghan, said a statement issued from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

Related: Nawaz stresses peaceful resolution to Saudi-Iran row

Pakistan, Iran have great affinity: COAS
In his meeting with the Iranian defence minister, the army chief reiterated that "Pakistan takes Iran as a very important neighbouring Muslim country and the people of Pakistan have a great affinity with their Iranian brothers," added the statement.

Gen Raheel said terrorism is a global threat that can potentially destabilise the region, adding that a coordinated response was needed to deal with the menace.

The Iranian defence minister thanked Gen Raheel Sharif and the people of Pakistan for their efforts to bolster regional security.

Read: Role in anti-terror coalition discussed with Saudi Arabia

PM off to Davos
After holding meetings with the Iranian President's cabinet and defence minister, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif departed from Tehran to Switzerland where he will participate in the Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) from 20 to 25 January 2016.

He will also visit CERN (European Organization for Nuclear Research), one of the foremost international centers of scientific research.

Read: Middle East tensions boil as Saudi Arabia cuts ties with Iran

From Saudi Arabia to Iran
During his visit to Saudi Arabia, the premier met with King Salman, and the prime minister is expected to deliver the king’s message to the Iranian leadership.

PM Nawaz and COAS Raheel Sharif onboard an aircraft enroute from Saudi Arabia to Iran.─ Photo: PMO


General Raheel Sharif also held a meeting with the kingdom’s defence minister soon after arriving in Saudia Arabia.

“Saudi and Pakistani leadership exchanged views on various facets of enduring cooperation with regards to the Saudi initiative of forming a coalition of Islamic countries against terrorism,” said a statement released by the Foreign Office.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif also assured the Saudi leadership of Pakistan's support, and expressed concern at the recent escalation of tensions between the kingdom and the Islamic Republic.

On the question of Iran, Syria and Iraq's exclusion from the recently announced 34-nation alliance by the Kingdom, it was stated that the countries were not included due to a trust deficit.

The kingdom has assured that if the Islamic Republic shows positive signs, diplomatic ties may be restored. A list of points have been given to the Pakistani leadership for discussion with Iran’s leadership, said diplomatic sources.

Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Tariq Fatemi and Army Chief General Raheel Sharif. -DawnNews

Nawaz called for resolution of the current crises through peaceful means in the larger interest of the Muslim world.

Related: Grave dangers face Muslim world in light of Saudi-Iran standoff: Sartaj

A wise step
With Pakistan embroiled in its own fight against terrorism, the sudden spike in rivalry between its two friendly countries put additional strains on the civil and military leadership.

Analysts regard the leadership’s diplomatic initiative a wise step to help Riyadh and Tehran prevent the current tensions from taking a hazardous turn which could endanger peace of the entire region.

Moreover, with successful culmination of talks between big powers and Iran over the latter’s nuclear issue, Pakistan certainly eyes certain economic benefits from Tehran re-entering world trade. “With Iran re-joining the world trade, Pakistan can look forward to meeting its energy needs from across the border by completing the pending gas pipeline,” remarked an analyst.

Pakistani delegation in meeting with Iranian defence minister Hossein Dehghan.─ Photo: PMO


Tensions recently flared between the two-regional rivals after the execution of a prominent Shia cleric, which led to the eruption of protests all over the region.

Related: Iran reacts with fury after Saudis execute Shia cleric

As a reaction to the execution of the cleric, Riyadh's diplomatic post was also attacked in Iran by angry protesters, which led to the severance of diplomatic ties between the kingdom and the Islamic Republic, further complicating an already tense atmosphere.

Also Read: Iran-Saudi row may widen sectarian divide: Pew survey

 

[Talwar e Pakistan]

If Nawaz had a turban and a beard; they'd look like twins!

 

[rockstar08]

brotherly ?

 

[Tipu7]

Sunni core and Shia core.

Two main branches of one tree.

You cut one branch, entire tree will lose balance.

 

[PaklovesTurkiye]

Nice going Sharifs.......Lol, look at Tariq Fatmi in a pic in which he is sitting with General Raheel Sharif.......At whom he's staring? Funny pic of him...

 

[nadeemkhan110]

Good work
keep it up NAWAZ SHARIF.

 

[Viper0011.]

Good work. keep it up NAWAZ SHARIF.

Credit should be given where its deserved. Both Iran and KSA rejected Russian, Turkish, American and other offers to mediate. But when Pakistan offered, they took it. Speaks volume of the growing role Pakistan is already playing in this region.

Plus, as a bonus to cool off tensions between KSA and Iran, Pakistan has offered Iran a free trade agreement. NS's diplomatic, result and opportunity oriented abilities are impressive to be honest. You'll cool two hot heads off. You'll look good in front of them and to the entire globe. AND you'll bag a free trade agreement providing you with cheaper Gas, Oil and a few billions of trade (and you'll link Iran to CPEC, further reducing Indian influence on Iran, concerning Pakistan) .
I like how this guy thinks. Very positive and good for Pakistan

 

[Tshering22]

A sincere effort made by Pakistan. Appreciate the initiative to diffuse the tensions.

But surely there will be more in terms of what you are offering to either side and what they are willing to part away as compromise to each other.

Any ideas on those areas?

 

[Neutron]

Good move

 

[Kakaspai]

brotherly ?

like India and Pakistan LOL

 

[happycanuck]

Saudi Arabia, Iran brotherly countries: PM Nawaz

Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Tariq Fatemi, Army Chief General Raheel Sharif and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif can be seen onboard an aircraft enroute from Saudi Arabia to Iran. — Photo: PMO

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in meeting with Iranian President Hasan Rouhani.─ Photo: PMO

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and COAS Raheel Sharif holding talks with Iranian defence minister Hossein Dehghan.─ Photo: PMO

Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Tariq Fatemi, Army Chief General Raheel Sharif and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif can be seen onboard an aircraft enroute from Saudi Arabia to Iran. — Photo: PMO

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in meeting with Iranian President Hasan Rouhani.─ Photo: PMO

TEHRAN: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Tuesday said that Saudi Arabia and Iran are brotherly nations and Pakistan wants to defuse tensions between the two countries.

Speaking to media in Tehran after meeting Iranian President Hasan Rouhani and his cabinet members, the premier said Pakistan had achieved success in normalising ties between the two countries in 1997 and also played the same role during tensions between Iran and Iraq.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif had arrived in Tehran Tuesday ─ a day after holding meetings with Saudi leadership in Riyadh in a bid to defuse tensions between the two countries that soar after the hanging of a Shia cleric by Saudi Arabia.

After arrival Gen Raheel met Iran's Defence Minister Hossein Dehghan, said a statement issued from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

Related: Nawaz stresses peaceful resolution to Saudi-Iran row

Pakistan, Iran have great affinity: COAS
In his meeting with the Iranian defence minister, the army chief reiterated that "Pakistan takes Iran as a very important neighbouring Muslim country and the people of Pakistan have a great affinity with their Iranian brothers," added the statement.

Gen Raheel said terrorism is a global threat that can potentially destabilise the region, adding that a coordinated response was needed to deal with the menace.

The Iranian defence minister thanked Gen Raheel Sharif and the people of Pakistan for their efforts to bolster regional security.

Read: Role in anti-terror coalition discussed with Saudi Arabia

PM off to Davos
After holding meetings with the Iranian President's cabinet and defence minister, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif departed from Tehran to Switzerland where he will participate in the Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) from 20 to 25 January 2016.

He will also visit CERN (European Organization for Nuclear Research), one of the foremost international centers of scientific research.

Read: Middle East tensions boil as Saudi Arabia cuts ties with Iran

From Saudi Arabia to Iran
During his visit to Saudi Arabia, the premier met with King Salman, and the prime minister is expected to deliver the king’s message to the Iranian leadership.

PM Nawaz and COAS Raheel Sharif onboard an aircraft enroute from Saudi Arabia to Iran.─ Photo: PMO


General Raheel Sharif also held a meeting with the kingdom’s defence minister soon after arriving in Saudia Arabia.

“Saudi and Pakistani leadership exchanged views on various facets of enduring cooperation with regards to the Saudi initiative of forming a coalition of Islamic countries against terrorism,” said a statement released by the Foreign Office.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif also assured the Saudi leadership of Pakistan's support, and expressed concern at the recent escalation of tensions between the kingdom and the Islamic Republic.

On the question of Iran, Syria and Iraq's exclusion from the recently announced 34-nation alliance by the Kingdom, it was stated that the countries were not included due to a trust deficit.

The kingdom has assured that if the Islamic Republic shows positive signs, diplomatic ties may be restored. A list of points have been given to the Pakistani leadership for discussion with Iran’s leadership, said diplomatic sources.

Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Tariq Fatemi and Army Chief General Raheel Sharif. -DawnNews

Nawaz called for resolution of the current crises through peaceful means in the larger interest of the Muslim world.

Related: Grave dangers face Muslim world in light of Saudi-Iran standoff: Sartaj

A wise step
With Pakistan embroiled in its own fight against terrorism, the sudden spike in rivalry between its two friendly countries put additional strains on the civil and military leadership.

Analysts regard the leadership’s diplomatic initiative a wise step to help Riyadh and Tehran prevent the current tensions from taking a hazardous turn which could endanger peace of the entire region.

Moreover, with successful culmination of talks between big powers and Iran over the latter’s nuclear issue, Pakistan certainly eyes certain economic benefits from Tehran re-entering world trade. “With Iran re-joining the world trade, Pakistan can look forward to meeting its energy needs from across the border by completing the pending gas pipeline,” remarked an analyst.

Pakistani delegation in meeting with Iranian defence minister Hossein Dehghan.─ Photo: PMO


Tensions recently flared between the two-regional rivals after the execution of a prominent Shia cleric, which led to the eruption of protests all over the region.

Related: Iran reacts with fury after Saudis execute Shia cleric

As a reaction to the execution of the cleric, Riyadh's diplomatic post was also attacked in Iran by angry protesters, which led to the severance of diplomatic ties between the kingdom and the Islamic Republic, further complicating an already tense atmosphere.

Also Read: Iran-Saudi row may widen sectarian divide: Pew survey

I am wondering what is Gen. Raheel Sharif thinking in the photograph #6 where PM Nawaz Sharif is looking away.

 

[Ahmad Masood]

Brotherly countries with a lot of love in between.


http://www.arabnews.com/featured/news/870191

No Pakistan mediation between KSA and Iran
MANAMA: Foreign Minister Adel Al-Jubeir has denied the existence of any Pakistani mediation between Saudi Arabia and Iran, reported BNA on Sunday.

He said many countries have come forward with mediation offers, which have been dismissed by Riyadh. He was speaking on the sidelines of the First Ministerial Meeting of the Arab-India Co-operation Forum on Saturday.
Reports last week said that Pakistan had offered to mediate between the two countries and end a tense situation sparked by the attacks on the Saudi diplomatic missions in Tehran and Mashhad.
“A lot of countries have offered mediation and delivered ideas between Saudi and Iran, but there is no need for this because the Kingdom is aware of its rights and Iran knows what has to be done.”
Al-Jubeir added: “There won’t be any mediation because, for 35 years, Iran has adopted a hostile approach toward Arab countries by meddling in their internal affairs, sowing sectarian strife and backing terrorism as confirmed by numerous strong evidences.”
Iran is among the terrorism-supportive countries listed by the UN and several states other than Saudi Arabia, he pointed out.
“There are governmental agencies in Iran listed as terrorist organizations. There are also officials in Iran's security agencies wanted for their involvement in terrorism. Iran should change its policy and method of dealing with its neighbors on the principle of good neighborliness and refrain from interference in the internal affairs of other countries so that the path will be open to building better relations with its neighbors,” he explained.
“The message is clear – Iran has to change its policies and have a better relationship with its neighboring countries.”
Saudi Arabia severed all diplomatic relations with Iran on Jan. 3, a move that was followed by several other Arab countries, including Bahrain.

 

[Providence]

Shouldn't they be uttering these words rather than a third party ?

 

[Djinn]

Brotherly countries with a lot of love in between.


http://www.arabnews.com/featured/news/870191

No Pakistan mediation between KSA and Iran
MANAMA: Foreign Minister Adel Al-Jubeir has denied the existence of any Pakistani mediation between Saudi Arabia and Iran, reported BNA on Sunday.

He said many countries have come forward with mediation offers, which have been dismissed by Riyadh. He was speaking on the sidelines of the First Ministerial Meeting of the Arab-India Co-operation Forum on Saturday.
Reports last week said that Pakistan had offered to mediate between the two countries and end a tense situation sparked by the attacks on the Saudi diplomatic missions in Tehran and Mashhad.
“A lot of countries have offered mediation and delivered ideas between Saudi and Iran, but there is no need for this because the Kingdom is aware of its rights and Iran knows what has to be done.”
Al-Jubeir added: “There won’t be any mediation because, for 35 years, Iran has adopted a hostile approach toward Arab countries by meddling in their internal affairs, sowing sectarian strife and backing terrorism as confirmed by numerous strong evidences.”
Iran is among the terrorism-supportive countries listed by the UN and several states other than Saudi Arabia, he pointed out.
“There are governmental agencies in Iran listed as terrorist organizations. There are also officials in Iran's security agencies wanted for their involvement in terrorism. Iran should change its policy and method of dealing with its neighbors on the principle of good neighborliness and refrain from interference in the internal affairs of other countries so that the path will be open to building better relations with its neighbors,” he explained.
“The message is clear – Iran has to change its policies and have a better relationship with its neighboring countries.”
Saudi Arabia severed all diplomatic relations with Iran on Jan. 3, a move that was followed by several other Arab countries, including Bahrain.

This seems more like a BROTHERLY slap at Nawaz Shareefs plump face.

 

[Dukkar]

Why should this be stated ?The love exists imo .