PM Khan’s visit to Saudi Arabia could revolve around these important discussions
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Prime Minister Imran Khan’s visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia proceeds at a crucial time, in the middle of a fast evolving global and regional strategic environment. The power dynamics of the world are shifting. The US is pulling out of Afghanistan and its major priority now is the containment of China. Thanks to the initiative coming from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, normalization of ties with Iran seems to be on the horizon- a development that is of huge consequence and has been received in the region, and in Pakistan in particular, like a breath of fresh air.
Both Saudi and Pakistani economies are recovering from COVID-19 shocks, and both look forward to a new phase of economic development. Proposals to set up a Strategic Consultative Council indicates multi-dimensional bilateral engagements planned in the future. A fresh entry into the field of bilateral engagement are afforestation projects with both countries determined to mitigate the negative impacts of climate change. Reducing a dependence on fossil fuels and moving towards cleaner and alternative energy resources is yet another common objective.
Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa visited Saudi Arabia ahead of Prime Minister Imran Khan. This was to pave the way for a concrete discussion on defense co-operation during the Prime Minister’s visit.
The Army Chief, who called on the Crown Prince, also met Prince Khalid bin Salman, the Deputy Defense Minister. General Bajwa said Pakistan fully appreciated the importance of the territorial and ideological integrity of the Kingdom. The Deputy Defense Minister expressed his special fraternal affections for Pakistan. Meanwhile, Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry has said that Saudi Arabia can play an important role in the resolution of the Kashmir issue.
Prime Minister Imran Khan is of the view that the Islamic world should develop a joint response in order to deter European countries from publishing such material in the name of freedom of expression. A related topic of discussion could therefore be Islamophobia in the west, and the view that a concerted action by Islamic countries could be more effective than separate efforts made by each individual country.
Javed Hafeez
Common security challenges should top the agenda of talks during the PM’s visit-- like the possibility of the return of Al Qaeda or Daesh in neighboring Afghanistan as the US withdraws its forces by this September, after two decades. It is also essential to ensure that the next power sharing arrangement in Kabul is reached peacefully and works smoothly. Hapless common Afghans deserves respite from a conflict that has raged on for more than four decades, and peace in Afghanistan could open new vistas of trade and developmental activity in the entire region.
Pakistan was recently shaken due to demonstrations against blasphemous material published in France. Similarly violent protests have happened in Pakistan in the past as well. Prime Minister Imran Khan is of the view that the Islamic world should develop a joint response in order to deter European countries from publishing such material in the name of freedom of expression. A related topic of discussion could therefore be Islamophobia in the west, and the view that a concerted action by Islamic countries could be more effective than separate efforts made by each individual country.
I believe regional countries now realize that instead of depending on outside powers, a durable security framework has to be local. Pakistan’s foreign and interior ministers are accompanying the Prime Minister, in addition to the governor of southern Sindh province. This indicates that in bilateral talks with the Crown Prince, regional reconciliation, internal security and investments will receive topical importance.
The key to normalization lies in a peaceful settlement in Yemen. Similarly, the reconstruction of war-ravaged Syria would not be possible without the material help of the GCC countries. Regional proxies are now outdated and create more problems than they resolve. The entire region deserves respite from tensions and chaos. It should now focus on economic prosperity that could create a win-win situation for all.
– Javed Hafeez is a former Pakistani diplomat with much experience of the Middle East. He writes weekly columns in Pakistani and Gulf newspapers and appears regularly on satellite TV channels as a defense and political analyst.
Twitter: @hafiz_javed
