Islamabad: Pakistan while strongly condemning the threats of attacks by Houthis to Saudi Arabia's trade and commercial shipping has reiterated full support for sovereignty of Saudi Arabia and regional security.
Pakistan is playing active diplomatic role for stability and defusing tension in the region.
Deputy Prime Minister (PM) Ishaq Dar exchanged views on bilateral relations, regional peace and bolstering cooperation during his important meetings with foreign ministers of different countries on the sidelines of the ASEAN Regional Forum, this was said by Foreign Office (FO) spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi during weekly press briefing in FO.
He held FM Ishaq Dar held separate meetings with the foreign ministers of Amman, Philippine, Russia, Egypt and Bangladesh. Talks were held in details on different aspects of bilateral relations, trade, regional peace and security and mutual cooperation.
Foreign minister of Amman appreciated Pakistan positive role for defusing tension in the region and stability.
Andrabi condemned reports of attacks on commercial vessels by the Houthis and expressed concern over threats against ships engaged in legitimate trade with Saudi Arabia.
He said threats to Saudi Arabia's trade and commercial shipping were unacceptable and could pose a serious threat to regional peace and global commerce.
The spokesperson warned that any aggressive action against Pakistani-flagged vessels would be viewed as a national security threat. He added that Pakistan considered any hostile action against its maritime interests a serious threat to its sovereign interests.
'Under international law, Pakistan reserves the right to use force to defend its maritime assets,' Andrabi said, reaffirming the country's commitment to protecting its maritime interests.
We are hopeful that Iran-US talks will take place,' the spokesperson said, adding that Pakistan believed dialogue was the only way to resolve tensions.
He said the Iranian interior minister had held meetings with the prime minister, deputy prime minister and field marshal, while Pakistan's diplomatic efforts to promote dialogue continued.
Responding to the European Union's GSP-related report, the Foreign Office said the report issued for Pakistan was final and maintained that the country was implementing 27 international conventions linked to the GSP Plus framework.
The spokesperson said the GSP Plus status had benefited Pakistan's economy and that Islamabad remained in regular contact with the European Union.
About Kashmir issue he said Pakistan will continue to raise voice at international level against human rights violations in Occupied Kashmir. India as occupying power is bound for protection of human rights under international laws.
Citing to situation in Palestine he said Pakistan is keeping eye persistently on situation. Foreign ministers of 8 Muslim countries are in contact with each other in this regard.
Responding to question about Afghanistan he said the way Pakistani citizens cannot stay in Afghanistan without legal documents, Afghan citizens too cannot live in Pakistan illegally.
Return of foreign citizens without legal travelling documents is as per international laws.
Afghan citizens have been found involved in recent several terror related incidents in Pakistan. However Pakistan will not promote hatred against peaceful Afghan citizens.
The trade talks between Pakistan and US are underway, however matters about tariff have not been finalized so far.
Pakistan has placed its stance on relevant matters including child labor before US authorities.
Responding to a question on Kargil war he said this matter is part of history now. The book written by late Sartaj Aziz on this subject is important reference.