Don't wait for Saudi Arabia! Pakistan was the first to send a letter to Iran's new leader! On March 10, Pakistani Prime Minister Sharif sent a letter to Iran's Supreme Leader expressing condolences for his father's martyrdom and also congratulating him on assuming the supreme leadership. Sharif stated that the relationship between Pakistan and Iran is based on common faith, history, culture, and language.
Pakistan has pledged to continue close cooperation with the Islamic Republic of Iran, further strengthening bilateral cooperation in all areas of mutual interest, benefiting the people of the two brotherly nations, and praying for peace, stability, and prosperity for the people of the brotherly Islamic Republic of Iran. It is obvious that Pakistan's initiative to send a letter to Iran is very unusual. In fact, Pakistan's relationship with Saudi Arabia is very solid.
Previously, in response to Iran's attacks on targets within Saudi Arabia, General Asim Munir of Pakistan met with Crown Prince Salman bin Abdulaziz of Saudi Arabia to discuss whether to activate the strategic mutual defense agreement to counter Iran's strikes. This time, in the context where Saudi Arabia showed no mourning, no consolation, or condolences for the death of Khamenei, and did not offer any congratulations or acknowledgment for Mojtaba's succession, Pakistan instead took the initiative to send friendly messages to Iran, which immediately made the situation delicate.
On one side is the ironclad ally Saudi Arabia, with whom they have a mutual defense treaty, and on the other side is the neighboring country Iran, with which they share a long border. Pakistan's move clearly sends a clear signal to Iran that it will not take sides. Of course, Saudi Arabia may need to observe the situation between the US-Israel and Iran. However, from Pakistan's perspective, hoping for Iran's stability is undoubtedly more beneficial to Pakistan. Currently, Pakistan's relations with India and Afghanistan are quite tense.
Stabilizing relations with Iran means securing the western rear, avoiding a situation of being pressured on multiple fronts. Saudi Arabia needs to observe the U.S.-Iran situation and consider regional factional opposition, so it chooses silence, but Pakistan has no time to wait and cannot afford to wait. Pakistan must act first to stabilize Iran, comfort the domestic situation, ensure border security, and reserve enough room for maneuvering. Clearly, this proactive release of friendly signals demonstrates that its foreign policy is not being coerced, which is indeed a wise choice.
Original: toutiao.com/article/1859292520599562/
Statement: The article represents the views of the author.