Saudi Arabia denies pressurising Pakistan into skipping Malaysia moot

By Muhammad YaseenPublished On 06 Jan 2023

ISLAMABAD: Saudi Arabia on Saturday rejected reports that Pakistan bowed out of the Kuala Lumpur Summit under its pressure.

In a statement, the Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Islamabad clarified that relations between the two countries are superior to the language of threats. These ties are strategically based on mutual trust, respect and affability, it added.

The embassy said Saudi Arabia stands by Pakistan on the basis of friendly ties and always stood by it so that the country can play its role as a successful and stable state.

It is noteworthy that the Foreign Office of Pakistan in a statement on Dec 20 had said Islamabad did not participate in the KL Summit as “time and efforts were needed to address the concerns of major Muslim countries regarding possible division in the Ummah.”

This was stated by Spokesperson Ayesha Farooqi in response to questions from journalists. She said Pakistan will continue to work for the unity and solidarity of the Ummah, which is indispensable for effectively addressing the challenges faced by the Muslim world.