Pakistan’s Sanjrani Says Saudi Crown Prince Visit to Usher Even Stronger Ties

Pakistani Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani. Asharq Al-Awsat
Pakistani Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani. Asharq Al-Awsat
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Pakistan’s Sanjrani Says Saudi Crown Prince Visit to Usher Even Stronger Ties

Pakistani Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani. Asharq Al-Awsat
Pakistani Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani. Asharq Al-Awsat

Pakistani Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani said that the “strong and historically strategic” shared ties between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan are set to further consolidate upon the scheduled visit of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman.

Stressing full Senate and parliamentary support for Pakistan’s policy on boosting relations with Saudi Arabia, Sanjrani voiced his country’s appreciation for the efforts and support of Saudi King Slaman bin Abdulaziz.

“We thank the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques for his support of Pakistan and its people,” Sanjrani told Saudi reporters in Islamabad.

“Certainly, the people appreciate Saudi support over the past decades, as well as the one currently provided by King Salman and Saudi leadership,” he underlined.

The official also welcomed the investments and agreements Riyadh plans to ink with Islamabad, saying that his country will “work to create all the means that will make these investments successful."

Addressing the expected visit by the Saudi Crown Prince, Sanjrani said it will yield in many fresh partnerships between the two countries.

He added that economic agreements to be signed between the two states will have a multi-faceted positive effect, “not only inside Pakistan, but also abroad.”

With regard to the Saudi investments pertaining to an oil refinery being established at the Gwadar port on the Arabian Sea, Sanjrani said: "Gwadar is undoubtedly a major strategic project.”

He pointed to Riyadh's great efforts in serving pilgrims visiting Islam’s holiest sites, and “preserving Islamic sanctity that Muslims are interested in all the Islamic world.”

Sanjrani pointed out that Saudi Arabia and Pakistan are two strong countries in the Islamic world, and that any joint effort by Riyadh and Islamabad will have a great and positive impact not only on the two countries but on Muslims worldwide and the region as a whole.



Qatar's Former Ruler Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani Dies

Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani. REUTERS/Ibraheem Al Omari/File Photo
Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani. REUTERS/Ibraheem Al Omari/File Photo
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Qatar's Former Ruler Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani Dies

Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani. REUTERS/Ibraheem Al Omari/File Photo
Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani. REUTERS/Ibraheem Al Omari/File Photo

Qatari former Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani ⁠has died ⁠at the ⁠age of 74, the nation's Emiri Diwan said ⁠on ⁠Sunday.

"With hearts steadfast in faith in God's decree and destiny, the Bureau of the Emir mourns the great loss to the nation of the late -- may God have mercy on him -- His Highness the Father Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani," read a statement published by the Emir's Diwan on social media.

Sheikh Hamad, who stepped down in June 2013 after 18 years as emir, was the architect of Qatar’s ambitions.

“The future lies ahead of you, the children of this homeland, as you usher into a new era where young leadership hoists the banner,” Sheikh Hamad said as he announced his abdication and the transition to his son, Prince Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.


Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and UAE Come Under Iranian Attacks

Bahrain's capital, Manama (file photo)
Bahrain's capital, Manama (file photo)
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Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and UAE Come Under Iranian Attacks

Bahrain's capital, Manama (file photo)
Bahrain's capital, Manama (file photo)

Iran on Sunday responded to US strikes with attacks targeting Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.

The United States attacked Iran over an Iranian strike on a vessel in the Strait of Hormuz that set the container ship ablaze and forced its crew to abandon it.

Later, the United Arab Emirates warned the public Sunday of an incoming missile and drone attack as explosions could be heard in nearby Qatar. A missile alert sounded in Qatar shortly after the blasts. Qatar's military said in a statement it intercepted the incoming Iranian fire.

Meanwhile, missile alerts sounded in Bahrain. Kuwait's military said it was intercepting incoming fire.


Saudi Arabia, Pakistan Urge Need to Support Mediation Efforts to Contain Regional Tensions

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah. (EPA file)
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah. (EPA file)
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Saudi Arabia, Pakistan Urge Need to Support Mediation Efforts to Contain Regional Tensions

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah. (EPA file)
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah. (EPA file)

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah received on Saturday a telephone call from Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and FM Ishaq Dar to discuss recent regional developments and escalation.

They stressed the need to support mediation efforts, resume US-Iran talks, and contain tensions, reported the Saudi Press Agency.

The FMs stressed the importance of exerting the necessary efforts to reach peaceful and comprehensive solutions that consolidate regional and international security and stability.