ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Tuesday congratulated his Saudi counterpart on recent normalisation of relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran announced through “Trilateral Joint Statement”.

During a telephonic conversation with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud on Tuesday, Mr Bhutto-Zardari appreciated the leadership of the kingdom for the positive development. He said this agreement would pave the way for initiation of meaningful dialogue for peace, security, trade and development in the entire region.

Reaffirming the fraternal relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, the two foreign ministers reiterated their mutual commitment to further expand and diversify the bilateral strategic partnership. They also stressed the vital role of high-level exchanges for cementing ties between the two countries.

Mr Bhutto-Zardari also held a telephone conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian. Extending warm felicitations on the signing of the Joint Trilateral Statement by Iran, Saudi Arabia and China, on March 10 in Beijing, Mr Bhutto-Zardari termed the resumption of diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran as a testament to the wisdom and farsightedness of the leadership of the two countries. He also commended the important role played by China in facilitating this process.

Underscoring Pakistan’s close fraternal relations with both Iran and Saudi Arabia, the foreign minister stressed that the renewal of diplomatic ties between the two brotherly countries would serve as a harbinger for peace, prosperity and development for the entire region.

The two foreign ministers expressed their resolve to further intensify cooperation across the entire spectrum of bilateral ties.

Published in Dawn, March 22nd, 2023