ISLAMABAD, 17 April 2006 — Crown Prince Sultan said yesterday that it was time for Pakistan and India to reach a just and peaceful solution to the Kashmir issue. “I hope the two countries would have the true vision and ability to continue their peace overtures,” he said.
Addressing a luncheon hosted in his honor by Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz, Prince Sultan praised Pakistan for its dialogue with India, saying it is the ideal way to resolve conflicts and problems in a peaceful manner.
“I also hope that the two countries are able to establish a permanent relationship of good neighborliness in order to reinforce peace and stability in the region and the rest of the world,” said the crown prince.
Prince Sultan yesterday concluded his two-day visit to Pakistan, during which he also met with President Gen. Pervez Musharraf. Pakistan was Sultan’s last stopover in a three-nation Asian tour, which also took him to Japan and Singapore.
In a joint statement at the conclusion of the visit, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan reaffirmed their resolve to continue their cooperation in the fight against terrorism and extremism. They also called for peaceful dialogue to end the standoff with Iran on its nuclear program. “We are opposed to the use of force,” Aziz said, adding the use of force will exacerbate an already complex regional situation. “While we oppose nuclear weapons proliferation, we recognize Iran’s right to use nuclear technology for peaceful purposes under appropriate international safeguards,” Aziz said during his meeting with Sultan.
The two countries, which are leading members of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC), also agreed to expand their cooperation in political, economic, investment, educational, defense and other fields.
Premier Aziz briefed the crown prince on Pakistan’s peace initiatives with India and stressed that the Kashmir issue must be solved in accordance with the aspirations of the people of Kashmir. It was also explained to the crown prince that a stable Afghanistan was of vital interest for Pakistan and the region.
In a speech at a luncheon hosted by Aziz, Prince Sultan said the Kingdom was combating international terrorism. “We have always made joint efforts with Pakistan to combat this menace in a more coherent manner,” he added.
He agreed with Aziz that it was high time to present the correct perception of Islam, which is a religion of peace and not terror as its enemies present it in order to harm the Islamic world.
The crown prince was introduced to the Chairman of Joint Chiefs Committee Gen. Ehsanul Haq, Chief of Naval Staff Adm. Afzal Tahir, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Tanvir Ahmad and Vice Chief of Army Staff Gen. Ahsan Salim Hayat.
In his speech, Aziz stressed the importance of inter-faith dialogue. “Pakistan is a strong believer in inter-faith harmony and it projects a peaceful face of Islam. Islam does not encourage terrorism, rather it teaches peace.”
Aziz underscored the deep-rooted relations between the two countries, adding that they were based on the principles of Islamic brotherhood. “During the last half a century, the two countries have forged very close understanding in dealing with numerous international issues,” he added.
“Saudi Arabia has a special place in the hearts and minds of the people of Pakistan. Our common faith and heritage have ensured a profound understanding and fraternity between us.”
The premier offered special gratitude to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah for the timely assistance provided by Saudi Arabia in the wake of the catastrophic earthquake last October. “This solidarity with the people affected by the earthquake has touched us deeply,” he said.
