In meeting with Iranian FM, PM Sharif says Yemen crisis may endanger Muslims’ unity
Expressing his concern at the deteriorating situation in Yemen, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif Thursday said that the crisis could endanger other Muslim countries.
“Beside the loss of innocent lives, the crisis can undermine the unity of Muslim world,” the prime minister said in a meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif who called on him on the second day of his visit.
The prime minister informed the Iranian foreign minister of his efforts to promote peace in Yemen in concert with other Muslim countries, a statement from the Prime Minister’s office said. He hoped that Muslim countries would recognise that the continuing conflict in Yemen represents a serious threat to the Ummah and they must work together to find a negotiated settlement of this issue.
Bilateral relations and regional issues of common concern came under discussion during the meeting, the statement said.
The prime minister stated that Iran is a brotherly nation and an important neighbour with which the government and people of Pakistan desire friendly and cooperative ties.
The prime minister stressed the need to churn out ways to bring an end to the conflict at the earliest by peaceful means. He emphasised that all Muslim countries needed to use their influence to promote a spirit of mutual accommodation.
Referring to the debate in the joint session of the Parliament, the prime minister stated that Pakistan held the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in high esteem and would stand shoulder to shoulder with the people of Saudi Arabia if its territorial integrity was violated.
The foreign minister of Iran agreed on the need to work towards an early settlement of the conflict and presented his government’s perspective on exploring different options for resolving the crisis in Yemen. He briefed the prime minister on the understanding his country had reached with the P5 +1 on the nuclear issue.
The prime minister expressed his satisfaction on the peaceful resolution of the issue and wished further success in conclusion of a comprehensive agreement by June 2015.
Iran’s Ambassador to Pakistan Alireza Haghighian, Sistan-Balochistan Governor General Ali Osat Iashemil and Advisor of the Minister and Deputy of Media Diplomacy Sayyed Mohammad Ali Hosseni accompanied the minister.
Adviser to Prime Minister on National Security Sartaj Aziz, Special Assistant to Prime Minister Tariq Fatemi, Secretary to Prime Minister Javed Aslam and Foreign Secretary Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry also attended the meeting.
IRANIAN FM MEETS GEN SHARIF:
Moreover, according to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the visiting Iranian foreign minister also held a separate meeting with Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Raheel Sharif at General Headquarters.
Focus of the discussion remained on regional security including evolving situation in the Middle East, Pak-Iran border management and defence and security cooperation between both the countries.
During the meeting, the unity and integrity of Muslim Ummah and greater harmony amongst the Muslims was emphasised.
Iranian Foreign Minister appreciated achievements of Operation Zarb-e Azb and paid rich tributes to Pakistan’s sacrifices in bringing peace and stability in the region.
Earlier, on his arrival at GHQ, foreign minister of Iran was presented guard of honour. He laid floral wreath at Yadgar-e- Shuhada and offered Fateha for the martyrs.