S. Arabia, Iran welcomed initiative: PM

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif struck an upbeat tone on Tuesday at the conclusion of his “mediation trip” to Saudi Arabia and Iran saying Pakistan’s initiative was welcomed in both capitals and he expected it to progress.
“Leaders of both countries appreciated our effort to reduce tensions between them. I received a positive response and I’m deeply encouraged. It is a sacred responsibility,” Mr Sharif told Pakistani reporters accompanying him in Tehran after his meetings with President Hassan Rouhani, First Vice President Eshaq Jahangiri and Defence Minister Hossein Dehghan.