ISLAMABAD - Prime Minister’s Adviser on National Security and Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz Monday received Saudi Foreign Minister Saud Al-Faisal at Chaklala Airbase on his arrival for a two-day official visit to Pakistan.
Besides bilateral matters‚ the two sides will discuss regional situation‚ particularly the situation in Afghanistan after withdrawal of the Nato forces. Both sides are also expected to review the suspended Taliban-US dialogue process for reconciliation in Afghanistan.
The visit also comes amidst speculations of a possible deal on General (r) Musharraf’s exile, but both the ex-strongman’s legal team and the government has denied such a possibility.
According to the Foreign Office spokesperson‚ Pakistan is working on a policy to further strengthen its relations with Islamic countries and the visit of the Saudi foreign minister is part of that policy.
The visiting dignitary, during his visit, will meet the president, the prime minister and the special adviser on foreign affairs to discuss host of important issues on bilateral cooperation in various fields, situation in Afghanistan, reconciliation process and the proposed government-Taliban talks.
Meanwhile, Foreign Secretary Aizaz Ahmed Chaudhry has said Saudi Foreign Minister Saud Al-Faisal will discuss a number of matters to promote bilateral relations. He said the Saudi foreign minister and Sartaj Aziz would address a joint press conference on Tuesday (today).
He added Sartaj Aziz would brief media people on the talks and agreements reached between the two countries.