Islamabad: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar on Friday said that a meeting of the Strategic Political Defence Committee (SPDC), established under the Makkah Agreement among Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye, would be held soon in Riyadh to review the prevailing situation on the ground, particularly developments in Saudi Arabia.
‘The meeting of the entire Strategic Political Defence Committee (SPDC) will be held soon in Riyadh. The principals are almost ready, and under the Makkah Accord, the current situation on the ground, particularly the situation in Saudi Arabia, will be examined,’ the deputy prime minister said while addressing a media briefing here at the Foreign Office.
He said the outcome of the meeting and the future course of action would be shared with the media once finalized.
Highlighting Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif’s extensive engagements during the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and his meetings on the sidelines, he said that this year’s diplomatic activities were ‘more than average”.
Ishaq Dar said the prime minister effectively presented Pakistan’s perspective before the international community during his address to the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), particularly on the issues of Palestine and Jammu and Kashmir.
He said the prime minister also highlighted Pakistan’s efforts and diplomatic initiatives regarding the Pakistan-India conflict and the US-Iran tensions, besides apprising the international community of Pakistan’s role in promoting dialogue and peace.
DPM/FM Dar said Pakistan had played an important role in bringing the United States (US) and Iran to the negotiating table in Islamabad after 47 years, describing it as an important diplomatic achievement.
The prime minister, he said, also drew attention to the possible implications of tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, warning that any disruption could adversely affect global energy supplies and ordinary people through higher petroleum prices.
The deputy prime minister said the prime minister also highlighted the security threat emanating from Afghanistan and raised the issue of Houthi attacks during his engagements.
He said the prime minister acknowledged the contributions of the Field Marshal and the Foreign Office in advancing Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts.
He said the prime minister’s address received recognition from the audience at the UN General Assembly, reflecting the attention given to Pakistan’s position on important regional and international issues.
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