Saudi Arabia has rejected allegations that it is interfering in the internal affairs of Pakistan.
The Saudi charge d'affairs to Pakistan, Ahmad-al-Bakhlan, was quoted by Dawn news group as denying accusation that the kingdom had a connection with the exile of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif.
The diplomat stressed that Saudi Arabia strictly adhered to its basic principles of foreign policy, including non-interference with the affairs of other countries.
Referring to the exile of Sharif, he said Saudi Arabia gave the offer to President Rafiq Tarar and Chief Executive Gen Pervez Musharraf on humanitarian grounds. "The offer was only a confidence-building measure on part of Saudi Arabia for bringing the two countries closer," he said, adding, "the Pakistani response in this connection would also help in improving bilateral ties."
Meanwhile, Pakistani Foreign Minister Abdul Sattar on Saturday termed the meetings of Musharraf with Saudi leaders as “very successful,” according to Dawn.
In an interview he said: "King Fahd prayed for the success of Pakistan and hoped that it will always remain a strong pillar of Islam."
The Chief Executive also held a detailed meeting with Crown Prince Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz.
He said delegations from the two sides discussed mutual matters and then the two leaders met separately for more than one hour.
“Both the leaders also prayed for the Afghan people so that their sufferings should come to an end. They also held comprehensive discussions on the situation in Kashmir and the ongoing freedom movement of the Kashmiri people.”
Asked if Crown Prince had a separate meeting with the Chief Executive, foreign minister said, "they met for more than one hour separately."
The foreign minister said that the meeting between Chief Executive General Pervez Musharraf and defense minister Prince Sultan bin Abdul Aziz "focused" on relations between the two countries.
"He (Prince Sultan) asked a number of questions about consolidating peace, for strengthening security of our country, indicating his deep affection for Pakistan and its people," Sattar said.
The foreign minister said that the Chief Executive also held meetings with Saudi finance and petroleum ministers. "They (Saudis) have historically stood with people of Pakistan on issues that confront us just as we have stood with Saudi Arabia over the years," Sattar said – Albawaba.com
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