ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Tuesday said a high-level Saudi delegation along with Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan al-Saud will visit Pakistan soon for holding talks on issues of mutual interests.
In a statement, Qureshi stressed that Pakistan and the Saudi Arabia enjoyed deep, historical and fraternal ties.
The foreign minister said Saudi Arabia openly supported Pakistan in the Niamey Declaration at the conclusion of 47th session of the OCI Council of Foreign Ministers held in Niger, Niamey, on 27 and 28 Nov.
Sources said Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan al-Saud along with a high-level delegation is expected to arrive in January next year which will hold meetings with President Dr Arif Alvi, Prime Minister Imran Khan, and Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi.
In their talks with Pakistani leadership, the sources said, the two sides would exchange views on issues of mutual interest, regional situation, and the recent developments in the Middle East.
The visit is taking place amid speculations of pressure on Pakistan for recognition of Israel following certain Arab States, including the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Bahrain announced to normalise ties with Israel.
Foreign Minster Qureshi, however, dispelled the impression of any pressure on Pakistan to recognise Israel and described it a 'failed' narrative of the opposition parties to befool the people.
Qureshi said the statements by the prime minister, including by him and the Foreign Office were on the record with regard to Pakistan's position on Israel.
At the same time, the foreign minister also asked the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) to come up with explanation with regard to the statements by Maulana Ajmal Qadri who had claimed that he was sent to Israel by then prime minister Nawaz Sharif.
Referring to the opposition's anti-government movement, he said the opposition's narrative to bring the government under pressure has become ineffective, adding that Prime Minister Imran Khan enjoys public support.
About India, the foreign minister said India is using its land against Pakistan, adding that New Delhi is training terrorists and sponsoring banned organisations for terrorism in Pakistan and the EU DisinfoLab has unveiled its nefarious designs.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2020
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