ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, who visited Saudi Arabia on Monday to defuse diplomatic tension in the Gulf, hoped that the current impasse will be resolved soon, the Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday. Nawaz has wrapped his day-long visit after holding meeting with Saudi King Salman bin Abdul Aziz days after the kingdom and several other Arab countries severed diplomatic relations with Qatar over terrorism charges. Qatar denied terror charges and said it is ready for talks. A ministry statement said Nawaz reaffirmed the strong commitment of the people and the government of Pakistan for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Saudi Arabia and the safety of the sacred places in the kingdom. The Pakistani statement quoted Salman as saying that the fight against extremism and terrorism is in the interest of all Muslims. He also praised the exceptional success of Pakistan against extremism and terrorism, despite challenging situation and environment. He also reiterated strong commitment and the support of the kingdom for all issues of interest for Pakistan, including matters of its national security. Expressing solidarity with the kingdom and the people of Saudi Arabia, Nawaz said that the kingdom had a very special place in the hearts of Pakistanis and that the Muslims looked up to the king as the custodian of the two mosques. Nawaz reaffirmed the strong commitment of the people and the government of Pakistan for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the kingdom and the safety of Harmain al Sharefain. Salman thanked Nawaz for his visit and recalled the special nature of relationship between the kingdom and Pakistan. The PM was accompanied by Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa and Advisor to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz.
