Islamabad, Riyadh support Afghan peace efforts

PESHAWAR (Pajhwok): Saudi Arabia and Pakistan.

Peace in Afghanistan was imperative for refugees to return to their homeland and contribute to their country’s development and lasting peace, they said.

The call came in a joint statement at the end of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s two-day visit to Pakistan, where he met Prime Minister Imran Khan and others.

"We believe in Pakistan's future and that it has a huge opportunity. In 2030, Pakistan will be next to the two huge economies. One, China will be the largest economy in 2030, and two, India will be the third-largest economy, so Pakistan will definitely benefit from these neighbours," he said.

Mohammad bin Salman stressed dialogue was the only way to resolve outstanding issues to ensure peace and stability in the region.

The Saudi side appreciated Pakistan’s generous hosting of millions of Afghan refugees and other initiatives in the context of stabilising Afghanistan, the statement added.

The two sides affirmed their common positions on a range of regional, security and international issues, including the challenges being faced by the Islamic Ummah, inter-faith harmony and counterterrorism.

The Saudi crown prince also met Army Chief General Qamar Jawed Bajwa on Monday. "Pakistan’s initiatives on the ongoing peace talks between the US and Taliban were discussed."

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