ISLAMABAD: Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdul-Aziz did not make any reference to Kashmir at a banquet here on Wednesday and confined his comments to the India-Pakistan peace process.

At the banquet, hosted in his honour by Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf, he praised the `historic and honourable position' of Pakistan on Palestine.

The King's comment in the course of his speech that he hoped the region does not become a subject of `destructive force' has caught the attention of the diplomatic and political observers.

"We appreciate your keenness for peace in our region and we, in turn, are keen that your region does not become a subject of destructive force; and it was from this basis that we expressed during our visit to India our hope that talks between the two neighbouring countries will achieve the desired result," King Abdullah said.

Mutual trust

In his remarks, Gen. Musharraf said: "Our mutual trust, understanding, friendship and cooperation are not just a source of abiding strength and inspiration for us but a vital factor contributing to peace, stability and development in our region.

"Insha Allah, together we will continue our endeavours for promoting the collective interests of the Islamic Ummah and for the fulfilment of the shared commitment of our people."

The General said: "We are living in uncertain and difficult times. If we look around, every major international crisis and conflict is linked to the Islamic world. The old conflicts of Palestine in West Asia and Kashmir in South Asia continue to foster.

"The Makkah Summit had clearly pronounced on these issues and agreed on a collective approach outlined in the Makkah declaration."

On the talks between the Pakistani leadership and the King, the official news agency of Saudi Arabia, Saudi Press Agency (SPA), said they discussed `Islamic and international issues of common concern led by Palestinian issue and the current situation in Iraq.'

Pakistan had been uneasy over the King's statements in a television interview that Islamabad should possibly consider sponsoring the name of New Delhi for an observer status in the Organisation for Islamic Conference (OIC).

King Abdullah left for his country on Thursday afternoon.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail