Pakistan to continue efforts for 'defusing' regional tensions, PM tells Saudi crown prince

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday told Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman that Pakistan would continue its efforts for “defusing” regional tensions and expressed solidarity with the Gulf state in light of recent Houthi attacks.

According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), in a phone call, the premier condemned the recent attacks on Saudi’s civilian and economic infrastructure.

PM Shehbaz also expressed alarm that the Houthi actions “threatened regional peace and security and could further disrupt the global economy and energy supplies”.

He told the Saudi crown prince that he, alongside Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of the Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, “would continue their efforts for defusing tensions and bringing peace in the region”.

“In this regard, the prime minister lauded the Saudi crown prince for his wise and sagacious leadership throughout the crisis,” the statement said.

The prime minister also conveyed regards to the custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

PMO said the Saudi prince, for his part, appreciated Pakistan’s support and its efforts for regional peace and stability.

“The two leaders agreed to continue to remain in close contact, and looked forward to meeting each other at an early date,” the statement added.

More to follow.