Saudi FM arrives in Islamabad amid Musharraf's exile rumors

ISLAMABAD - Saudi Foreign Minister Saud Al-Faisal is scheduled to undertake a two-day official visit to Pakistan from Monday amid speculations that he may also discuss a possible exile deal for former President Pervez Musharraf who is facing high treason trial.

The Foreign Ministry has however categorically dispelled the impression of linking the Saudi foreign minister's visit to Musharraf's case and insisted that it is Pakistan's internal matter.

Saudi Arabia brokered the exile deal for Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif after Pervez Musharraf dismissed his government in 1999.

The Foreign Ministry spokesperson said the visit was decided when the prime minister went to New York in September last year to attend the UN General Assembly session and the Saudi Foreign Minister met him there.

"This is normal interaction between states. Saudi Arabia and Pakistan enjoy a very close relationship and this would be the first high level visit after the new government in Pakistan took office," she said when asked about the purpose of the visit.

The Saudi foreign minister will meet President Mamnoon Hussain, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and will hold official talks with advisor on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz to discuss ways to further expand Pak-Saudi ties and discuss Afghan and regional situation including post-foreign troops withdrawal from that country.