Pakistan welcomes landmark Saudi-Iran rapprochement

Pakistan on Friday warmly welcomed the normalisation of diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran in a landmark development facilitated by China. Tehran and Riyadh announced an agreement in Beijing on Friday to restore their diplomatic ties more than seven years after severing them. The development is seen as major breakthrough that will not only shape the Middle East but beyond. Pakistan can be the direct beneficiary of the move as the Saudi-Iran rivalry has put Islamabad in a difficult situation. It often had to tread carefully between Iran and Saudi Arabia. The tussle between the two major powers of the Muslim world also undermined Pakistan's push to diversify its foreign policy options. Read more: Iran and Saudi Arabia: Key developments towards resumption of ties Therefore, it was no surprise that Pakistan was one of the first countries which welcomed the ice-breaking between Saudi Arabia and Iran. "Pakistan firmly believes that this important diplomatic breakthrough will contribute to peace and stability in the region and beyond," the Foreign Office (FO) said in a statement hours after the landmark development. "We commend the role played by China’s visionary leadership in coordinating this historic agreement which reflects the power of constructive engagement and meaningful dialogue. We laud sagacious leadership of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Islamic Republic of Iran for this very positive development," read the statement. "With a history of consistently supporting and coordinating efforts for bridging gaps between the two brotherly countries, Pakistan will continue to play a constructive role in the Middle East and the region. We hope this positive step would define a template for regional cooperation and harmony," it further said. Pakistan in the past too tried to mediate between Saud Arabia and Iran when it was caught between the rivalry of the two Muslim countries. Read more: Iran and Saudi Arabia: Key developments towards resumption of ties The normalisation of relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran and the role played by China suggests a new alignment in the region. Pakistan will be a key country in the evolving situation as China wants to build close ties with energy-rich Gulf countries. Beijing wants to use Pakistan's strategic location to establish trade and energy corridors with the Middle East.

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