FM arrives in Riyadh to continue diplomatic efforts

ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has arrived in Saudi capital Riyadh on next leg of his diplomatic visit to reduce regional tensions.

He was received at King Khalid International Airport by Deputy Minister for Protocol Affairs of Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs Azzam Al Qain, Pakistan ambassador to Saudi Arabia Raja Ali Ijaz and senior officials of the embassy.

The foreign minister is to hold a meeting with his Saudi counterpart Prince Faisal bin Farhan to discuss multi-dimensional issues including regional peace situation.

Earlier, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi arrived in Iranian capital Tehran where he held a meeting with his counterpart Javad Zarif.

The foreign minister emphasised the need for exercising sincere efforts by the all sides for de-escalation tensions in the Middle East and to prevent instability in the region.

Qureshi also called for adopting the way of dialogue through demonstrating restraint, rationality and tolerance in order to reduce tension in the Middle East and to sort out the matters in a peaceful manner.

Appreciating the resolve of Prime Minister Imran Khan for establishing peace in the region, the Iranian foreign minister assured Qureshi that his country welcomes the peace endeavours of Pakistan.

During the meeting, both sides discussed Iran-US tension, peace and security situation in the region and bilateral relations in detail.

Meanwhile in a statement on social media site Twitter, the foreign minister said he had a constructive and positive meeting with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani.

Qureshi said Pakistan is committed to exercising every diplomatic effort to achieve regional security and are clear that Pakistan soil will not be used for war.