We will try to de- escalate India- Pak tensions: Saudis

Saudi Arabia on Monday vowed to try to “de- escalate” tensions between India and Pakistan in the wake of the deadly terror attack in Pulwama by Pakistan- based Jaish- eMohammed, as Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman prepares to head to New Delhi from Islamabad. Saudi minister of state for foreign affairs Adel al- Jubeir met Pakistan foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Monday. “Our objective is to try to de- escalate tensions between the two countries and to see if there is a path forward to resolving those differences peacefully,” Mr Jubeir said.

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Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman was conferred upon highest civilian award ‘ Nishan- e- Pakistan’ at an impressive investiture ceremony at the President’s House on Monday,

President Dr Arif Alvi conferred the award. Prime Minister Imran Khan, federal ministers, parliamentarians, and services chiefs were present. Later, President Dr Arif Alvi said Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have similar directions for peace in the region, development and elimination of corruption.

He said it is a golden era for Pakistan as for investment.

The President said “we bravely fought terrorism and we are now standing in an era where there will be increasing prosperity and peace in Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and the region.

He thanked the Crown Prince for signing various MoUs for huge investment in Pakistan.

Speaking on the occasion, Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman said relationship between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan are focused on the principle of Islamic solidarity.

He acknowledged contribution of Pakistani diaspora for the development of Saudi Arabia. it is open