Khan visits Riyadh to defuse Gulf tensions
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan is travelling to Saudi Arabia on Tuesday as part of his initiative to defuse tensions between Riyadh and Tehran. But few expect any significant outcome from the trip, which some Pakistani foreign office insiders say is also being used to highlight Indian action in Kashmir.
After Khan’s visit to Iran on Sunday, he was set to visit Riyadh – his third trip to the country this year – to discuss regional developments and other matters with the Saudi leadership.
In Riyadh, Khan will have oneon-one meeting with the Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who will also be present during his meeting with King Salman.
Foreign minister SM Qureshi is accompanying the prime minister. Khan may also visit some other Arab countries, including the UAE, for his peace mission before he undertakes another visit to Iran, officials say.
The Pakistan prime minister is expected to also meet with the Islamic military counterterrorism coalition commander-inchief Raheel Sharif.
Khan reiterated on his visit to Tehran that Pakistan was ready to act as a facilitator between Iran and Saudi Arabia, to sort out their differences through dialogue. “The issue is a complex one but it is possible to sort out differences through dialogue,” he said.
His mediation efforts come after Tehran said on Friday that missiles struck an Iranian oil tanker travelling through the Red Sea near Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia denies being involved in the incident.