Islamabad, Oct 19: Expressing concern over Israel "making inroads" into South Asia, Saudi Arabia today said that the emerging India-Israel military co-operation may fuel instability and arms race in the region. Riyadh also promised to make all efforts to find a "just settlement" to the Kashmir issue.

"What we are hearing of this cooperation (between Israel and India) is that it is aimed not at the good of the region but to inflame the region, to further add to the arms race in the region," visiting Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister Prince Saud al Faisal said addressing a joint press conference with Pakistani counterpart Khurshid Mehmood Kasuri.

On the solution to Kashmir issue, Faisal said Saudi Arabia was interested in a "wise leadership" from President Pervez Musharraf in seeking a peaceful settlement of Kashmir issue with India.

"We will do everything that we can to help in bringing about a peaceful settlement because Kashmir issue is the chief problem between the two countries and threatens the region. Anything, we can do to bring peace and settle the issue of Kashmir, we will certainly do that," he said.


Bureau Report