ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's President Dr. Arif Alvi on Monday praised Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for taking the "big decision" to restore ties with Iran, describing it as a "big way forward" for the Muslim world.
In a landmark agreement in March, Saudi Arabia and Iran announced restoring diplomatic ties and reopening embassies in their respective countries after talks between the two were brokered by China.
On Saturday, Saudi Arabia confirmed a delegation of the kingdom had arrived in Iran to discuss procedures for reopening Riyadh’s embassy in Tehran and consulate in Mashhad.
Addressing the annual Paigham-e-Islam Conference (Message of Islam), President Alvi appreciated the Saudi crown prince for playing a leading role in Riyadh's reconciliation with Tehran.
“I appreciate the leadership and decision of Saudi Crown Prince for resuming ties with Iran which is a big decision and showed the strength of his character and [is a] big way forward for the Muslim world,” Alvi said.
This handout picture provided by the Iranian foreign ministry shows Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian (R) and Saudi Foreign Affairs Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan (L) meeting in Beijing on April 6, 2023. (Iranian Foreign Ministry via AFP)
Alvi was the chief guest at the conference organized by the Pakistan Ulema Council (PUC) where several ambassadors, religious scholars and parliamentarians were also in attendance.
He said Saudi Arabia's leadership had shown a great example of tolerance in taking the Muslim world forward and strengthening it with unity.
The president expressed his dismay at the recent atrocities by Israeli troops against unarmed Palestinian worshippers in the Al-Aqsa Mosque, adding that the Jews, who faced oppression in the west, were doing the same to people in Palestine today.
“That generation is still alive who witnessed and faced the holocaust in the past, but they are silent on the Israeli brutalities on Palestinians as they have not learned anything from the past," he said.
As Pakistan's political turmoil deepens, the president advised the country's leaders to set aside their grievances and collaborate with one another to bring prosperity to the nation.
“I appeal to all Pakistanis to mend their ways and shun their differences through dialogue and make way to move forward for the prosperity of the country,” he added.
Addressing the ceremony, Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan, Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki, said bilateral relations between Islamabad and Riyadh were based on a solid foundation whose essence was unity of belief and brotherhood.
He said that for over 70 years under the Saudi leadership, both countries committed to the ideals of moderation, openness to the world, coordination of policies, and cooperation in international forums, adding that it led to significant growth in bilateral relations at various levels.
“It rose to the level of 'strategic partnership' and [both countries] strengthened their relations on all political, military, security, social, and developmental levels, in a way that serves the interests of the two brotherly peoples and the Islamic Ummah,” he added.
Malki said Saudi-Pakistan partnership played an active role in resolving issues faced by the Islamic world.
He said the kingdom was interested in Pakistan's development and prosperity, noting that the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) has provided various forms of development aid and loans to Pakistan in energy, dams, water, sanitation, transportation, and infrastructure sectors.
