ISLAMABAD, Oct 19: Pakistan and Saudi Arabia on Sunday agreed on the need for immediate resolution of Kashmir dispute through negotiations in accordance with the Security Council resolutions.

A joint statement issued at the end of Crown Prince Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz’s two-day visit said the two sides emphasized the need for a sustained dialogue between Pakistan and India to resolve all outstanding issues, leading to normalization of situation in South Asia.

The two sides noticed with concern the orchestrated campaign branding Muslims as extremists and terrorists. They agreed to project the correct image of Islam based on the concept of “enlightened moderation” throughout the world.

The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to war against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. They emphasized the need to distinguish between terrorism and genuine national liberation movements.

Talks between President Gen Pervez Musharraf, Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Jamali and Crown Prince Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz were held in an atmosphere of understanding.

The two sides expressed satisfaction at growing cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan in various fields. They agreed that considerable opportunities existed for strengthening relations, particularly in the form of increased trade, joint ventures and investment.

They decided to reinforce political understanding by instituting regular high-level consultations between the two foreign ministries. They also agreed on annual exchanges of ministerial delegations to take practical measures for the maximum utilization of economic potential of the two countries.

They agreed that Ummah faced serious challenges and there was a need for concerted action by Muslim countries to counter the situation. In this context, the two sides welcomed the deliberations of the recent OIC summit. They committed to make joint efforts to revitalize the OIC so that it could play an effective role in protecting the interests of Muslim countries and promoting understanding with the outside world.

The joint statement underlines the imperative of restoring peace in Iraq by allowing the United Nations to play its due role, leading to restoration of sovereignty to Iraqi people, within a specified timeframe.

The two sides reaffirmed that the solution to the Middle East problem lay in unconditional implementation of the Quartet’s roadmap, the peace plan presented by Crown Prince Abdullah and UN resolutions, leading to creation of an independent and viable Palestinian state with secure borders.

They noted the Israeli policy of targeted killings, establishment of Jewish settlements and construction of the so-called security fence were contributing to escalating tensions in the ME.

They expressed their commitment and support to the Bonn process and President Karzai’s government in Afghanistan. They emphasized the need for restoration of peace in the country through establishment of a broad-based government. Crown Prince Abdullah invited President Musharraf and Prime Minister Jamali to visit Saudi Arabia which they accepted.—APP