POLITICAL ISSUES
IRAN
1. Bilateral dialogue explored avenues to cement Pakistan-Iran ties
Islamabad, Wednesday, 5 February 2014
The 11th bilateral dialogue between the Institute of Strategic Studies, Islamabad and the Institute of Political and International Studies, Iran focused on regional issues with a special attention towards Afghanistan, mutual cooperation and strengthening relations between the two nations. The dialogue brought together scholars and diplomats from Pakistan and Iran.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan, Islamabad

2. Pakistan reacted to Iranian Interior Minister's statement
Islamabad, Tuesday, 18 February 2014
Reacting with deep concern to the statement of Iran's Interior Minister Abdolreza Rahmani-Fazli on the kidnapping of five border guards by militants, Pakistan's Foreign Ministry spokesperson said that Iran's forces have no authority to cross over to Pakistani territory and must abide by international law.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan, Islamabad; See Also: The News International, Karachi

3. Bokhari for enhanced Pak-Iran parliamentary linkages
Islamabad, Wednesday, 19 February 2014
Chairperson Senate Syed Nayyer Hussain Bokhari met Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and emphasized on greater people-to-people contact and increased parliamentary contacts to promote a multi-dimensional cooperation between Pakistan and Iran.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan, Islamabad; See Also: Associated Press of Pakistan, Islamabad

4. Interior Minister, Iranian Ambassador discuss bilateral ties
Islamabad, Friday, 21 February 2014
Ambassador of Iran Alireza Haghighian called on Federal Minister for Interior and Narcotics Chaudhary Nisar Khan and committed to further strengthening of bilateral ties. Both said that the two nations must work together to strengthen their respective borders and make it a prohibited area for militants and terrorists.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan, Islamabad

5. Pak-Iran Border Commission formed committee on border violations
Quetta, Friday, 21 February 2014
The 17th Pak-Iran Joint Border Commission formed a committee which would report border violations. There was also a high-level meeting which discussed the abduction of five Iranian border guards and firing of rockets and mortar shells from Iran to Baluchistan. Issues like increasing border trade, repair of boundary walls, opening new gates for the supply of electricity to the border posts, extradition of captives, issuance of passport and joint border patrolling were also discussed.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan, Islamabad

6. President for further strengthening ties with Saudi Arabia
Islamabad, Friday, 7 February 2014
President Mamnoon Hussain in his conversation with Prince Salman Bin Abdulaziz al-Saud, Chairperson of Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities of Saudi Arabia, emphasized on the importance of bilateral trade and investment in areas like infrastructure, energy, tourism and culture, archaeological heritage and handicraft.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan, Islamabad

7. Pakistan, Saudi Arabia have always stood by each other in testing times: PM
Islamabad, Friday, 7 February 2014
Prime Minister Mohammad Nawaz Sharif in a meeting with Prince Salman Bin Abdulaziz al-Saud said that Pakistan offers great opportunities for tourists and extended an invitation to the Prince for a detailed visit to Pakistan.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan, Islamabad

8. Pak-Saudi ties to be strengthened further: CM
Lahore, Saturday, 8 February 2014
Addressing a luncheon in the honour of Prince Salman Bin Abdulaziz al-Saud, Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif said that ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are permanent and would only strengthen in the future. He greatly appreciated support by Saudi Arabia in Pakistan's times of need and their continued support to the Pakistani community in Saudi Arabia.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan, Islamabad

9. Pakistan keen to further strengthen strategic cooperation with KSA: President
Islamabad, Saturday, 15 February 2014
President Mamnoon Hussain in his meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Salman discussed matters of cooperation and interest and appreciated Saudi Arabia's assistance in Pakistan's most difficult times and expressed hope that the Saudi government will continue to support the Pakistani Diaspora living in the Kingdom.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan, Islamabad

10. Saudi Minister of State for Foreign Affairs called on Tariq Fatemi
Islamabad, Sunday, 16 February 2014
Saudi Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Nizar Bin Obaid Madani discussed bilateral, regional and international matters with the Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Tariq Fatemi. Both emphasized the need of taking relationship to new heights.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan, Islamabad

11. Saudi Crown Minister, Khawaja Asif discussed cooperation in defence sector, military training
Islamabad, Sunday, 16 February 2014
Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif met Saudi Crown Prince Salman at the Punjab House and discussed mutual cooperation in defence and education sectors.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan, Islamabad; See Also: The News International, Karachi; The Nation, Lahore

12. Speaker of National Assembly, Saudi Crown Prince exchanged views on matters of mutual interest
Islamabad, Sunday, 16 February 2014
Calling on Saudi Crown Prince Salman, Speaker of National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq exchanged views on the cordial relations shared between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan and discussed ways of further strengthening their relationship.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan. Islamabad

13. Pakistan, Saudi jointly working for harmony, unity: Pervaiz
Islamabad, Monday, 17 February 2014
Senator Pervaiz Rashid, Federal Minister for Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage in a meeting with Abdulaziz Bin Mohieddin Khoja, Saudi Minister of Culture and Information Minister, stated that the media could be used as an effective tool in countering negative propaganda about Islam and the image of Ummah. He also focused on the need to formalize the idea of a Pak-Saudi media friendship forum that would help strengthen bilateral ties as well as understanding each other's culture.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan, Islamabad

14. Dastagir for further strengthening trade relations with Saudi Arabia
Islamabad, Monday, 17 February 2014
Minister for Commerce Engineer Khurram Dastgir met Tawfiq Bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah, Saudi Minister for Commerce and Industry and empahsized on the urgent need to establish economic cooperation between the two countries. He assured full cooperation in providing market access to Pakistani products and proposed to hold a single country exhibition of Pakistani products in Saudi Arabia.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan, Islamabad

15. Pakistan, Saudi Arabia vowed cooperation to promote international peace, stability
Islamabad, Monday, 17 February 2014
In a meeting between Prime Minister Mohammad Nawaz Sharif and Saudi Crown Prince Salman Saud, cooperation in various fields for promotion of the cause of Muslim Ummah as well as international peace and stability was discussed. The two parties also signed two agreements under which Saudi Arabia would provide around US$183 million for the import of Urea fertilizer from Saudi Arabia and the construction of a hydro-power project in Chitral, Pakistan.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan, Islamabad; See Also: Associated Press of Pakistan, Islamabad

16. Pakistan, Saudi Arabia pledged to further expand ties
Islamabad, Monday, 17 February 2014
At the conclusion of the Saudi Crown Prince Salman’s visit, both sides issued a joint statement calling for international peace and stability.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan, Islamabad

TURKEY
17. Prime Minister’s visit to Turkey from 12 February 2014
Islamabad, Tuesday, 11 February 2014
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif would visit turmey during 12-14 febrary for the 8th  Trilateral Summit in Ankara to help strengthen the peace process in Afghanistan in collaboration with international partners.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan, Islamabad

18. Pakistan, Turkey, Afghanistan reaffirm commitment to joint efforts for regional peace, security
Ankara, Thursday, 13 February 2014
Addressing a joint press conference after the 8th Trilateral Summit, leaders of Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Turkey reaffirmed their commitment to Afghanistan's peace process and to continue collective efforts in maintaining peace and stability in the region through mutual cooperation.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan, Islamabad

19. PM invites Turkish businessmen to become Pakistan's development partners
Istanbul, Friday, 14 February 2014
Inviting heads of major Turkish business groups to become Pakistan's development partners, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said that Pakistan would encourage partnership in the private sector along with public sector.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan, Islamabad

UAE
20. Finance Minister called on UAE Prime Minister, delivers a letter from Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif
Islamabad, Tuesday, 4 February 2014
Minister for Finance Muhammad Ishaq Dar delivered a letter from Prime Minister Mohammad Nawaz Sharif to Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Prime Minister and Vice President of the United Arab Emirates. He also discussed bilateral matters of interest with Prime Minister.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan, Islamabad; See Also: Associated Press of Pakistan, Islamabad

21. Ambassador Durrani assumed responsibility in UAE
Islamabad, Wednesday, 5 February 2014
Pakistan’s ambassador Asif Durrani called on Abdullah bin Mohammed Butti Al Hamid, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the UAE after assuming responsibility as Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan, Islamabad

ECONOMIC ISSUES
SAUDI ARABIA
22. FPCCI urged Saudi investors to focus on Pakistan's processing sector
Islamabad, Sunday, 16 February 2014
Acting President of the Federation of Pakistan's Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Shaukat Ahmed, while speaking to businessmen from the delegation accompanying Saudi Crown Prince Salman Saud, urged them to invest in Pakistan's energy sector which offered great opportunities and returns.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan, Islamabad; See Also: The Nation, Lahore

TURKEY
23. Turkey's Chinar Group to establish 660 MW power plants at Gaddani
Istanbul, Friday, 14 February 2014
The CEO of the Chinar Group of Turkey, called on Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and offered to set up a 660 Mega Watt Power Plant at Gaddani. He also expressed interest in Pakistan's coal and copper mining projects.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan, Islamabad

UAE
24. UAE Delegation showed interest to invest in banking, mining, power sectors
Islamabad, Wednesday, 26 February 2014
Visiting delegation of foreign investors from UAE discussed several investment opportunities. Special Assistant to UAE's Prime Minister and Chairman, Board of Investment Miftah Ismail added that they wish to turn Pakistan into a regional hub of commerce, trade and investment by establishing an Economic and Trade Corridor linking the Gwadar sea port with Kashgar in China.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan, Islamabad

DEFENCE ISSUES
IRAQ
25. Iraqi Air Force, Air Defence Commanders visited Air Headquarters
Islamabad, Tuesday, 4 February 2014
Commander of the Iraqi Air Force Lieutenant General Anwer Hamad Ameen Ahmed and Commander Iraqi Air Defence Lieutenant General Jabbar Ubaid Kadhum along with nine-member delegation visited Pakistan Air Headquarters.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan, Islamabad; See Also: Associated Press of Pakistan, Islamabad; Associated Press of Pakistan, Islamabad

26. Iraqi Air Defence Commander visited PAF Academy Risalpur, PAC Kamra
Islamabad, Thursday, 6 February 2014
The nine-member Iraqi delegation led by Lieutenant General Jabbar Ubaid Kadhum, Commander Iraqi Air Defence visited Pakistan Air Force Academy, Risalpur and the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex Kamra.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan, Islamabad

27. Pakistan to assist in developing Iraqi Air Force: PM
Islamabad, Monday, 10 February 2014
Meeting with Lieutenant General Anwer Hamad Ameen Ahmed, Commander of the Iraqi Air Force, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said that Pakistan would help Iraq in the fields of training and development. Agreements on training of the Iraq Air Defence Personnel and a sales contract of Pakistan’s Super Mushakh Aircraft were signed between the two sides.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan, Islamabad; See Also: The Express Tribune, Karachi;  The News International, Karachi

SAUDI ARABIA
28. COAS left for Saudi Arabia on three-day official visit
Rawalpindi, Tuesday, 4 February 2014
Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Raheel Sharif left for Riyadh on a three-day official visit and would interact with senior political and military leaders to discuss Pak-Saudi relations in relation to defence and security cooperation.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan, Islamabad

29. General Raheel met Saudi political, military leadership
Rawalpindi, Wednesday, 5 February 2014
On the first day of his official visit to Saudi Arabia, the Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Raheel Sharif called on Crown Prince Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. Meetings with other senior Saudi officials focused on defence and security cooperation, regional stability and steps towards furthering bonds between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan, Islamabad;See Also: The Dawn, Karachi

30. General Raheel, Saudi Defence Minister discussed defence cooperation
Rawalpindi, Saturday, 8 February 2014
Calling on the Deputy Defence Minister of Saudi Arabia, Prince Salman Bin Sultan al-Saud, Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif discussed matters of mutual interest and bilateral defence cooperation on his official visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan, Islamabad; See Also: The Express Tribune, Karachi

TURKEY
31. General Raheel held meetings with Turkish military leadership
Rawalpindi, Thursday, 13 February 2014
Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif on a visit to Turkey held separate meetings with the Commander of the Turkish Land Forces, General Hulusi Akar and Chief of Turkish General Staff, General Necdet Ozel and discussed a wide range of issues such as mutual defence cooperation and regional security.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan, Islamabad

MISCELLANEOUS ISSUES
IRAN
32. Iranian Cultural Week started at Pakistan National Council of Arts
Islamabad, Tuesday, 4 February 2014
The seven-day Iran’s Cultural Week was inaugurated at the Pakistan National Council of Arts (PNCA) by Minister of State for Religious Affairs Peer Amin ul Hasnat Shah along with Iranian Cultural Counsellor Taqi Sadiqi and Federal Parliamentary Secretary for Information, Broadcasting, and National Heritage Mohsin Raza.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan, Islamabad

KUWAIT
33. 53rd National Day of Kuwait celebrated
Islamabad, Tuesday, 25 February 2014
Kuwaiti Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf Abdulaziz Al-Enezi hosted a reception to celebrate the 53rd National Day and 23rd Anniversary of the Liberation Day of Kuwait.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan, Islamabad

SAUDI ARABIA
34. Kashmir solidarity day observed in Jeddah
Islamabad, Thursday, 6 February 2014
The Pakistan Consulate in Jeddah and Kashmir committee, Jeddah chapter organized an event with Ambassador Mahdy Fathallah as the Chief Guest to observe the Kashmir Solidarity Day at the residence of Pakistan Consul General Aftab A Khokhar.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan, Islamabad

UAE
35. 30 Pakistani companies participated in Gulf Food Fair
Islamabad, Monday, 17 February 2014
Thirty leading Pakistani companies participated in the Gulf Food Fair held at the Dubai World Trade Centre during 23-27 February displaying their products under the "Pakistan Pavilion" set up by the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan in collaboration with the Commercial Section, Consulate General of Pakistan of Dubai.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan, Islamabad

COMPILED BY PAULAMI SANYAL

Paulami Sanyal is a doctoral candidate at the School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi.  Email

As part of its editorial policy, the MEI@ND standardizes spelling and date formats to make the text uniformly accessible and stylistically consistent. The views expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views/positions of the MEI@ND. Editor, MEI@ND: P R Kumaraswamy