Pakistan offers to host Saudi-Iran reconciliation talks

Islamabad - PM Sharif described reconciling the two countries as Pakistan's "prime duty and sacred mission."

Pakistan's prime minister offered Tuesday to host talks between Iran and Saudi Arabia aimed at resolving disputes between the Middle Eastern rivals.
Also read: Pakistani PM visits Saudi Arabia, Iran to ease tensions 
Nawaz Sharif met Iranian President Hassan Rouhani in Tehran, a day after meeting Saudi Arabia's King Salman in Riyadh. After his meeting with Rouhani, Sharif told reporters that Iran had expressed an interest in improving relations with Saudi Arabia and would appoint a focal person for future talks.
Sharif said he would speak to Saudi Arabia to encourage the appointment of a focal person, and described reconciling the two countries as Pakistan's "prime duty and sacred mission."
Pakistan's Foreign Ministry says that Islamabad is deeply concerned at the recent escalation of tensions between Saudi Arabia and Iran. Relations worsened between the two countries after Saudi Arabia executed a prominent Saudi cleric who was an outspoken opposition figure on January 2.
Angry crowds in Iran stormed the Saudi embassy, and Riyadh severed diplomatic relations with Tehran in protest.
 

• MENA