ISLAMABAD: Saudi Foreign Minister Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir arrived on Thursday to discuss the situation in the Middle East following the kingdom’s estranged ties with Iran.

The Saudi foreign minister called on Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif as they exchanged views on regional security situation and matters of bilateral interest.

“Pakistan expressed deep concern at the escalation of the situation and condemned the burning down of (the) Saudi Embassy in Tehran,” PM's office said in a statement.

“The prime minister called for (the) resolution of differences through peaceful means in the larger interest of the Muslim unity.”

Adel Bin Ahmed also held a meeting with Army Chief General Raheel Sharif in Rawalpindi.

He lauded Pakistan’s phenomenal successes in fight against terrorism and the country’s efforts towards regional stability.

The visit comes after Pakistan last month distanced itself from an anti-Islamic State coalition announced by Saudi Arabia, which had named Pakistan as a member.

Pakistan also declined a Saudi call to join a Riyadh-led intervention, backed by most Gulf Arab states, in Yemen last year to fight Iranian-allied rebels.

Earlier, the Saudi dignitary was received by Adviser to Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz Nur Khan Airbase in Chaklala, Rawalpindi.

Pakistan has been urging restraint to both Saudi Arabia and Iran, in the wake of escalating tension between the two countries, following the execution of Saudi national Sheikh Nimr Al-Nimr and the consequent torching of the Saudi Embassy by a mob in Tehran.