Hoping that the India-Pakistan dialogue process to resolve outstanding issues will achieve desired results, visiting Saudi King Abdullah has said he was keen to see that the South Asian region did not become a 'subject of destructive force'.
"We appreciate your keenness for peace in our region and we in turn are keen that your region does not become subject of destructive force. It was on this basis that we expressed during our visit to India our hope that talks between the two neighbouring countries will achieve the desired result," he said at a banquet hosted by President Pervez Musharraf in his honour in Islamabad, the official Saudi Press Agency reported.
There was no elaboration on what the King meant by 'destructive force' and whether he referred to terrorism in the region or the nuclear capabilities of India and Pakistan.
King Abdullah's visit to India, the first by a Saudi monarch in 50 years, figured prominently in his speeches.
"I would like to reiterate our hope that a just settlement can be achieved that protects legitimate rights and leads to regional stability. The hope that this can be achieved rests, after God, upon your wisdom and leadership, Mr President," King Abdullah, who was given a rousing welcome when he arrived on Thursday on a two-day visit, said.
Reflecting the close ties between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, he said the two countries had a steadfast alliance in good and bad times.
"This visit is the symbol of depth and strength of this relationship resting on the bonds of Muslim brotherhood," the King said, adding, "We witness with great admiration Pakistan's scientific and economic achievements and will establish true partnership."
He also praised Pakistan's stand on Palestine.
Earlier, Musharraf conferred the country's highest civil award Nishan-e-Pakistan on King Abdullah for his outstanding contribution to development of greater understanding and cooperation between the two brotherly nations.
In his speech, Musharraf drew comparisons to the Palestine and Kashmir issues and stressed on addressing the long-standing political problems involving the Muslim world.
"There is an urgent need to heal festering wounds of Palestine and Kashmir that have caused so much pain and sufferings among the Muslims.
"I have no doubts that Your Majesty's visit to India would encourage the peace process. Your strong and constant commitment towards the resolution of the Kashmir dispute reflects your abiding support for just causes and your deep concern and compassion for Muslims in distress and struggling for their inalienable rights," he said.
Musharraf said that Pakistan's neighbourhood has remained disturbed for decades because of the conflict in Afghanistan and Kashmir.
About the peace process with India, he said Pakistan was working for an environment of peace in South Asia and was engaged in sincere efforts to resolve the Kashmir issue.
