Relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have been strained in recent years | NewsRme

Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have long-standing diplomatic and military connections, but relations have soured recently when Islamabad allegedly declined to provide soldiers to the Yemen conflict. Also, Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has enraged the Saudis. On December 28, 2021, he welcomed a Saudi envoy. The Singapore Post noted that demeanour and even seating posture may effect diplomacy. Qureshi is pictured receiving Ambassador Nawaf bin Said al-Malki in Islamabad, with one leg crossed and the other pointed towards Al-Malki. Many Saudis felt Qureshi 'insulted' their ambassador, The New Arab said. Many Saudis turned to social media to criticise the Pakistani FM's seating arrangement, calling it "the height of folly and ignorance". Sarcastic user: "Pakistani foreign minister greets Saudi ambassador with amazing courtesy." It was stated by The Singapore Post that the Pakistani foreign minister received the kingdom's ambassador in this manner "since there is no solid reason (medical) for it." Neither government responded officially. But the Saudi Embassy posted a picture on social media of the two "brotherly nations'" officials discussing subjects of common importance to their governments. Qureshi's legs and sitting position were not visible. Qureshi has already been targeted by Saudi Arabia. His mid-2020 rant against the OIC's "failure" to organize a meeting of foreign ministers to address Kashmir almost sparked a diplomatic spat.