PM Shehbaz, Saudi Crown Prince agree to meet 'soon' as regional tensions escalate

• PM Shehbaz condemns Houthi attacks on Saudi infrastructure.
• Premier vows continued efforts to defuse regional tensions.
• Mohammed bin Salman appreciates Pakistan’s steadfast support.

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman have agreed to remain in close contact and meet soon as regional tensions continue to escalate.

The understanding came during a telephone conversation between the two leaders on Sunday, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office.

A day earlier, Saudi Arabia shut down its East-West pipeline, after the vital oil conduit came under aerial attack in the widening Middle East war.

The world’s largest crude oil exporter said it temporarily closed the pipeline as a precaution after a drone attack that both Baghdad and Riyadh said had originated in Iraq.

The 1,200-km (745-mile) pipeline running across the Arabian Peninsula has served as the main route out for global supplies of Middle East oil for the past six months while the Strait of Hormuz has been largely shut by war.

It has been moving 4 million to 5 million barrels per day, amounting to 4% to 5% of global supply, sparing Saudi Arabia the brunt of the disruption that has crippled other Gulf oil and gas exporters.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the strikes. Satellite images showed black smoke rising from an area of the pipeline south of Medina. The attack resulted in some injuries and damage that was being assessed, the Saudi Foreign Ministry said without detailing the impact on exports.

US President Donald Trump, visiting Ireland to attend a golf tournament at one of his resorts, said Iran was probably to blame.

On Saturday, the Saudi Civil Defence said in a statement that a projectile fired by the Houthis had injured two people in Jazan region, along with damaging several buildings, including a mosque.

Saudi Arabia has opted not to retaliate so far, following a request from the Iraqi prime minister, the Saudi Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

During today's telephonic conversation, PM Shehbaz strongly condemned the recent Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia’s civilian and economic infrastructure.

The prime minister expressed Pakistan’s complete solidarity with the Saudi leadership and people, saying the Houthi actions threatened regional peace and security and could further disrupt the global economy and energy supplies.

PM Shehbaz said he, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar would continue their efforts to defuse tensions and promote peace in the region.

He also praised the Saudi crown prince for what he described as his wise and sagacious leadership throughout the crisis.

PM Shehbaz conveyed his warm wishes and respectful regards to Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques.

Crown Prince MBS appreciated Pakistan for its steadfast support for Saudi Arabia as well as its efforts to promote peace and stability in the region.

The two leaders agreed to remain in close contact and looked forward to meeting each other at an early date.