Saudi Foreign Minister Saud Al-Faisal has clarified that former president Pervez Musharraf’s issue is Pakistan’s internal matter.
"How can we interfere in internal matters of a friendly country," the Saudi Foreign Minister told a press conference along with Advisor on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz.
Prior to Saudi Foreign Minister’s visit, it was speculated that he may also discuss a possible exile deal for the former military ruler Pervez Musharraf who is facing high treason trial.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs had already dispelled the impression of linking the Saudi FM’s visit to Musharraf s case and insisted that it is Pakistan s internal matter.
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have agreed to enhance cooperation in all fields including investment‚ trade‚ energy and export of skilled and semi-skilled manpower to the Kingdom. The understanding came at a meeting between Advisor on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz and Saudi Foreign Minister Saud Al Faisal in Islamabad Tuesday.
Later addressing a joint news conference‚ Advisor on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz said Pakistan and Saudi Arabia enjoy excellent relations and both the countries in talks today reiterated their desire to further expand these relations for the benefit of the peoples of two countries.
He said the Prime Minister in his interaction informed the visiting dignitary about his government's plans to enhance growth‚ create job opportunities and reduce poverty for brighter future of Pakistan. He said we will encourage the Saudi investors to invest in different sectors especially energy.
Appreciating Saudi economic assistance‚ Sartaj Aziz said there is mutual desire to further intensify economic interaction.
The advisor said both the countries share similarity of views on international and regional issues. He said Pakistan and Saudi Arabia stand by each other and share views on peace and stability in the region.
In his remarks‚ the Saudi Foreign Minister pointed out that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia enjoy historic and deep rooted relations and his country does not interfere in the internal affairs of Pakistan. He said his country will continue to provide all possible assistance for economic stability in the country. He said designs of those plotting to spoil Pakistan-Saudi Arabia relations should be thwarted.
The Saudi Foreign Minister said his country will extend cooperation to Pakistan in energy and other sectors.
Saud Al-Faisal said there is need for joint efforts to eradicate the menace of terrorism. He pointed out that the international troops are drawing down from Afghanistan by the end of this year and efforts are required to stop the terrorists from regrouping.
On the issue of Syria‚ the Saudi foreign minister called upon all the groups to sit together to find a peaceful solution of the crisis.
Later‚ Prime Minister's Advisor on National Security and Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz has said whole Muslim Ummah has badly been affected by the sectarian violence.
Talking to journalists in Foreign Office on Tuesday‚ he said Muslim unity is very important and this issue has generally been discussed in talks with Saudi Foreign Minister. He said both the sides deliberated on defusing sectarianism in Muslim countries.
He said Saudi Arabia wants to invest in Pakistan's hydel power sector as already they have been providing assistance in two hydel power projects including Neelum-Jhelum. He said the Kingdom has provided one-hundred million US dollars for Neelum-Jhelum project‚ while for another hydel power project they have given fifty-seven million dollars.
Regarding Afghanistan‚ Sartaj Aziz said whole international community wants stability in Afghanistan through policy of non-interference. He said if collectively with Afghan leadership we worked‚ we will reach a better solution.