Saudi defence minister arrived in Islamabad to discuss Pakistan’s cooperation in the 34-nation anti-terror coalition of Islamic countries the KSA has recently formed
ISLAMABAD – The Deputy Crown Prince and Minister for Defence of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), Mohammad bin Salman Al-Saud, arrived in Islamabad on Sunday on a day-long official visit. Defence Minister Khawaj Asif and Foreign Affairs Advisor Sartaj Aziz welcomed him on his arrival.
The Saudi minister held meetings with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Raheel Sharif during his visit.
Saudi Defence Minister met COAS Raheel Sharif, discussing the issues of regional integration and defense cooperation. “We have close relationship with Saudi Arabia and if there is a danger to integration of Saudi Arabia, we will fully retaliate,” COAS told the Saudi Minister.
PArmy Chief said both countries have exemplary defence relations. “We have cordial relations with all Gulf and Middle Eastern states,” he said.”The stability of Saudi Arabia and other Middle East states is highly important for Pakistan,” according to Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) statement.
The defence minister arrived in Islamabad on Sunday to discuss Pakistan’s cooperation in the 34-nation anti-terror coalition of Islamic countries the KSA has recently formed.
His visit came just four days after the kingdom’s Foreign Minister Adel al Jubeir travelled to Islamabad and held talks with Pakistan’s civil and military leaders, including the prime minister and army chief.
Pakistan PM and Saudi Defence Minister discuss regional situation
Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif has exchanged views on bilateral relations and regional situation in his meeting with visiting Saudi Defence Minister Prince Muhammad bin Salman bin Abdul Aziz in Islamabad this evening.
Nawaz Sharif said Pakistan would stand by Saudi Arabia if any threat arises to its territorial integrity.
General Raheel Sharif says Pakistan holds its defence ties with Saudi Arabia in highest esteem
Army Chief General Raheel Sharif has re-asserted that any threat to Saudi Arabia’s territorial integrity would evoke a strong response from Pakistan. He said after a meeting with Saudi Deputy Crown Prince and Defence Minister Prince Muhammad bin Salman bin Abdul Aziz in Rawalpindi on Sunday evening.
The Army Chief said Pakistan holds its defence ties with Saudi Arabia in highest esteem. Pakistan enjoys close and brotherly relations with Saudi Arabia and other Gulf Cooperation Council countries and attaches great importance to their security, he said.
Saudi Defence Minister said the Kingdom attaches great importance to Pakistan and its armed forces and appreciates their successes in fight against terrorism and efforts for regional stability. He also re-affirmed Saudi Arabia’s full support to Pakistan’s position on all matters
Matters related to regional security and defence cooperation came under discussion during the meeting.
