SAUDI VOWS TO 'DE-ESCALATE' TENSIONS
Objective is to resolve differences between India and Pakistan peacefully, says kingdom’s FM
SAUDI Arabia vowed to “de-escalate” rising tensions between Pakistan and India during a highprofile summit here yesterday as Crown Prince Mohammed Salman prepares to travel to New Delhi.
The kingdom’s foreign minister spoke at a press conference here as Pakistan recalled its envoy from Delhi for “consultations”, the latest development in a fresh diplomatic crisis between the nuclear-armed neighbours.
“Our objective is to try to deescalate tensions between the two countries, neighbouring countries, and to see if there is a path forward to resolving those differences peacefully,” said Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir.
The pledge came as the crown prince, widely known as “MBS”, prepared to head for India at the conclusion of his two-day visit to Pakistan.
The Pakistan-based Islamist group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) claimed responsibility for Thursday’s attack, and the vehicle was driven by a known local militant.
India is garnering diplomatic support after the attack and has vowed to “isolate” Pakistan diplomatically, saying it has “incontrovertible evidence” of Islamabad’s role. Pakistan has rejected the allegations.
After his arrival on Sunday, MBS signed US$20 billion (RM82 billion) in investment deals with cash-strapped Islamabad and vowed to free thousands of Pakistani prisoners in Saudi custody.
Islamabad is facing a serious balance of payments crisis and hopes the huge deals signed over the two-day visit — seven separate agreements and memorandums of understanding — will boost its struggling economy.
Pakistan has laid on a lavish welcome for the crown prince, including a 21-gun salute, fighter jet escort, and honour guard.
He was also due to receive the country's highest civilian award, the Nishan-e-Pakistan (Order of Pakistan), before heading to India to meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
After India, MBS is expected to visit China on Thursday and Friday.
Pakistan has also been accused by Iran of harbouring militants who carried out an attack that killed 27 Revolutionary Guards last week.
But Islamabad received a boost from Adel, who called Teheran a “chief sponsor of terrorism” during yesterday’s live press conference.