Pakistani PM to visit Riyadh, Tehran in bid to mend tiesJanuary 16, 2016 - 15:18 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Pakistan's Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif will visit Riyadh and Tehran in a bid to mend ties between the archrivals after the Saudi execution of a prominent Shiite cleric led to mob attacks on the kingdom's diplomatic posts in Iran, the Associated Press reports. Federal Information Minister Pervaiz Rashid said Saturday, Jan 16, that Sharif would depart Monday for Riyadh, where he will meet with King Salman. Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are longtime allies. On Tuesday Sharif will meet with Iran's President Hassan Rouhani in Tehran. The Pakistani Prime Minister will be accompanied by his country's military chief, Gen. Raheel Sharif. Sunni Saudi Arabia and Shiite Iran back opposite sides in the wars in Syria and Yemen. Saudi Arabia cut diplomatic ties with Iran after the attacks on its diplomatic posts. Related links: Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Court in Azerbaijan extends former Karabakh leader’s arrest by 5 months The Binagadi District Court in Azerbaijan has granted the prosecutor’s petition to extend the arrest of Arkady Ghukasyan. Ucom General Director joins High-Tech Development Panel Discussion The discussion was titled "The Role of International Corporations and Investors as Catalysts for Development of High-Tech Ecosystem." U.S. still believes “peace is possible” between Armenia, Azerbaijan The United States continues to believe that peace is possible between Armenia and Azerbaijan, Vedant Patel says. Dozens detained as antigovernment protest continue in Armenia At least 63 people demanding Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s resignation were detained on May 14 as they blocked streets in Yerevan. |