ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has expressed the hope that the leadership of the Muslim countries would recognize that the continuing conflict in Yemen represents a serious threat to the Ummah and, therefore, they must work together to find a negotiated settlement of this issue.
The Prime Minister said this during meeting with visiting Foreign Minister of Iran, Mr. Mohammad Javad Zarif, who called on him here Thursday morning.
Nawaz Sharif expressed the concern of the Government of Pakistan on the overthrow of Yemen’s legitimate government by non-state actors by use of force. He stated that it was the shared responsibility of all States to refrain from actions that disturb peace and stability in any country.
The Prime Minister informed the Foreign Minister of his efforts to promote peace in Yemen in concert with other Muslim countries.
The Prime Minister expressed his serious concern at the deteriorating situation in Yemen, which he said, is so grave that it may endanger fellow Muslim countries. Beside the loss of innocent lives, the crisis can undermine the unity of Muslim world, he said.
He stressed the need to ponder the ways and means to bring an end to the conflict at the earliest by peaceful means. He emphasized that it was incumbent on all Muslim countries to use their influence to counsel restraint and promote a spirit of mutual accommodation.
Referring to the debate in the joint session of the Parliament, the Prime Minister stated that the people of Pakistan held the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in high esteem and would stand shoulder to shoulder with the people of Saudi Arabia if its territorial integrity was violated.
The Foreign Minister of Iran agreed on the need to work towards an early settlement of the conflict and presented his government’s perspective on exploring different options for resolving the crisis in Yemen.
Bilateral relations and regional issues of common concern including situation in Yemen came under discussion during the meeting.
The Prime Minister stated that Iran is a brotherly nation and an important neighbour with which the government and people of Pakistan desire friendly and cooperative ties.
Foreign Minister Zarif briefed the Prime Minister on the understanding his country had reached with the P5 +1 on the nuclear issue.
The Prime Minister expressed his satisfaction on the peaceful resolution of the issue and wished further success in conclusion of a comprehensive agreement by June 2015.
Iran’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Mr. Alireza Haghighian; Governor General Sistan-Balochistan, Mr. Ali Osat Iashemil; and Advisor of the Minister and Deputy of Media Diplomacy, Mr. Sayyed Mohammad Ali Hosseni accompanied the Minister.
Adviser to Prime Minister on National Security, Mr. Sartaj Aziz, Special Assistant to Prime Minister, Mr. Tariq Fatemi; Secretary to Prime Minister Mr. Javed Aslam and Foreign Secretary Mr. Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry also attended the meeting.
INP