NEW DELHI, Jan 13: Pakistan is planning to discuss its peace initiatives on Jammu and Kashmir with Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz when he visits Islamabad after a historic trip to New Delhi, according to an Indian wire service report. “King Abdullah is visiting the country on the invitation of President Pervez Musharraf,” IANS quoted a Pakistani official as saying. Pakistan is attaching great importance to the king’s visit to South Asia.

“During his stay in Pakistan, King Abdullah will have extensive discussions on bilateral, regional and international issues,” said the official. He said the Kashmir issue would also figure.

The Saudi monarch will embark on a five-nation tour from Jan 21. He will be the chief guest at India’s Republic Day function on Jan 26. This is the first time a Saudi ruler has visited India in five decades.

Other Pakistani officials were also quoted as telling IANS that they would take up the Kashmir issue with the Saudi ruler. They also voiced the hope that the Indian officials “will give importance to King Abdullah’s views on Kashmir”.

Foreign Office spokesperson Tasnim Aslam said the dates of King Abdullah’s visit had not yet been set but it was expected to start on Feb 1.

“Relations with Saudi Arabia are one of the fundamentals of Pakistan’s foreign policy. It’s a very unique and very special relationship.”

Asked if the king was taking any proposal by Pakistan on Kashmir to India, she said: “Saudi Arabia has always stood by Pakistan.”

Pakistan was not included in King Abdullah’s itinerary until President Musharraf’s met him last month. “President Musharraf not only invited the king but also advocated Saudi Arabia’s role in bringing permanent peace to the (South Asian) region,” an official said.

He said the king would “definitely take up the peace issue in India and Pakistan”.

The official said since India wanted to improve relations with Saudi Arabia, “it will give importance to King Abdullah’s views on Kashmir”.

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are expected to sign at least three agreements for expansion of bilateral cooperation. The president will host a banquet in honour of the king. —Online