Pakistan’s top diplomat Sartaj Aziz on Wednesday said Pakistan-India foreign secretary-level talks would be held in January.
Pakistan’s top diplomat Sartaj Aziz on Wednesday said Pakistan-India foreign secretary-level talks would be held in January.
He said Islamabad was optimistic the talks will improve the ties between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.
He said Chief of Army Staff Raheel Sharif would visit Afghanistan in December, adding the steering committee’s meeting, participants of which include Pakistan, United States, China and Afghanistan, would be held in the coming month. “The meeting would review Afghanistan peace process,” he maintained.
Mr Aziz, advisor to the Prime Minister on foreign affairs, said participation in Saudi Arabia’s 34-country alliance against terror outfits was voluntary and not under any agreement. He said that the country’s policy and interest would be kept in mind for participation in the alliance. Talking to reporters here, he said Pakistan agrees with the reason behind forming a large-scale allian-ce, however, the decision would be taken after taking into account the country’s policy.
Foreign office spokesman Qazi Khalilullah on December 17 said the department was in contact with Saudi authorities to inquire about Pakistan’s role in the grand alliance.
The spokesperson said Pakistan supports international and regional efforts to curb terrorism. He said Pakistan and Saudi cooperate in diverse fields and have brotherly ties.
The announcement took some Muslim countries by surprise as no formal contact was made however, the regional countries welcomed the offer. The grand alliance includes Egypt, Lebanon, Libya, Jordon and others.
