FO spokesperson says ‘complete consensus’ in Pakistan over defence of holiest sites in Saudi Arabia
The Foreign Office on Thursday said that Chinese President Xi Jinping would visit Pakistan in the middle of April.
During the weekly media briefing at the Foreign Office, spokesperson Tasneem Aslam said that the Chinese president will visit Pakistan this month. However, dates have yet not been finalised. “Pakistan and China are strategic partners, while such high level exchanges are aimed at further strengthening and cementing the bilateral relations,” Aslam said.
Responding to another question regarding the situation in Yemen and the visit of the Iranian foreign minister to Pakistan, Aslam said that Pakistan is very clear on its stance, as it has already pledged to safeguard the territorial integrity of Saudi Arabia, and that Pakistan along with Turkey has initiated diplomatic efforts for a peaceful resolution of the Yemen crisis.
She said Oman would also be engaged in the proposed dialogue process for peace in Yemen.
“There is complete consensus within Pakistan that in case of any threat to the holiest sites in Saudi Arabia, Pakistan will be the first country to come forward for their defence,” the spokesperson said.
She said Pakistan has repeatedly condemned the actions of non-state actors who overthrew the legitimate government of Yemen, which was recognized by the international community and the United Nations.
The spokesperson also said the US State Department has notified congress about the proposed sale of military equipment to Pakistan, for which final clearance is expected soon.
Regarding the banning of charity organization Al-Furqan Foundation by the US, the spokesperson said the US has proscribed the entity under its domestic laws and it has duly informed Pakistan about its action.
Responding to a question regarding the killing of seven Iranian border guards, the spokesperson said Pakistan has asked Iran to share evidence or intelligence that the culprits of the incident have entered Pakistani territory, and said Pakistan has assured Iran that strict action will be taken if the culprits were found in Pakistan.
Aslam also said that Islamabad remains committed to a result-oriented, meaningful and sustainable dialogue process with New Delhi for the resolution of all outstanding issues including Jammu and Kashmir.
