Key Points from the Joint Statement
- Saudi Arabia and Pakistan did not mention United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions on Kashmir in their joint statement.
- Saudi Arabia supported India’s stance on resolving issues, including Kashmir, through bilateral dialogue.
- The joint statement emphasized the importance of dialogue between Pakistan and India to resolve outstanding issues, particularly the Jammu and Kashmir dispute.
Details of the Joint Statement
The joint statement released during Pakistan Prime Minister Shehnaz Sharif’s visit to Saudi Arabia highlighted the need for peaceful resolution of disputes between Pakistan and India.
Notably, the statement did not reference UNSC resolutions on Kashmir, signaling a shift from Pakistan’s traditional stance.
The emphasis was on resolving disputes through bilateral frameworks, aligning with the Shimla Pact and India’s approach to direct dialogue.
Significance of the Joint Statement
The 2021 joint statement between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia reiterated support for bilateral dialogue and peace in the region.
The statement also acknowledged the ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan Army in February 2021.
This joint statement reflects Riyadh’s backing of India’s position on Kashmir and highlights the deepening strategic partnership between Saudi Arabia and India.
Comparison with Past Joint Statements
The Pakistan-Saudi Arabia joint statement contrasts with previous Pakistan-China joint statements, which have mentioned Kashmir in the context of UNSC resolutions.