Re: Pakistan’s Foreign Policy?
Face saving statement. Saudis are being bitter. Their egos are badly bruised. Iran has just signed a whopping £600 billion deal with China. Iranian President is on European tour and plenty of trade deals will be signed, and Saudis won’t tolerate Iran playing with fire in the Middle East yet be on the path of becoming a regional economic powerhouse.
The fact that Saudis did not deny the news when a massive hype for the famous trip was building up , they did not deny mediation while both Sharif’s were in Saudi Arabia. They did not deny the mediation while both Sharifs were in Iran.
The fact the that Saudis had to deny the whole mediation thing after 10 days of the visit shows that had just went wrong now.
If Pakistan was not mediating then chances are Pakistan was just there to tell Saudis that they aren’t getting involved in their mess. If the latter is true then it is much better and more honest approach than the former.
The bottom line is - Pakistan has found a way to resist Saudi demands by hook or crook. That’s what matters at the end.