This is not charity, this is investment that will benefit both countries: Saudi foreign minister

Terming the $20 billion investment by Saudi Arabia in Pakistan beneficial for both the countries, Saudi Foreign Minister Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir said on Monday that this is not charity but rather an investment.

Addressing a joint press conference with his Pakistan's counterpart Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Al-Jubeir said that it was the kingdom's objective to ensure that they participate in Pakistan’s economic growth. "We believe very strongly that government of Prime Minister Imran Khan is determined to take Pakistan to a higher level. We believe there is great potential in Pakistan for investments and we want to be a part of Pakistan's growth," he said.

Maintaining that this Saudi investment in Pakistan is not charity but an investment, Saudi foreign minister said that this is investment will be benefited by both the countries. He added that if the Saudi Arabia did not believe in Pakistan, they would not be making such an investment.

The Saudi foreign minister further said that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia shared very close ties since 70 years. He said 1.5 million Pakistan reside in KSA, who have helped in the development of the Kingdom.

Speaking about the relationship of India and Pakistan, the foreign minister said that the kingdom will try to deescalate the tension between the two neighbors.

When the Saudi foreign minister was asked about Iran's allegations that Pakistan had been involved for an attack that killed more than 20 members of Iran's Revolutionary Guards, Al-Jubeir said that it was strange that Iran 'the world's chief sponsor of terrorism' could accuse others of terrorist activities.