Islamabad: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif while reiterating a strong response from Pakistan on any aggression against Saudi Arabia’s territorial integrity agreed on further expanding existing defence, security and intelligence cooperation.
A statement issued on Friday from the Foreign Office, following the prime minister’s one day visit to Saudi Arabia said “Pakistan could not remain a bystander against efforts to destabilize the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. “Pakistan expressed to the Saudi leadership its deep concern at the increasing threats to regional peace and stability in the Middle East and emphasized that there was a dire need to ensure that the region did not get further destabilized by terrorist groups and other non-state actors,” the statement said.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif met King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, who was accompanied by Crown Prince Muqrin Bin Abdul Aziz, Deputy Crown Prince and Minister for Interior Prince Mohammad Bin Naif, Foreign Minister Prince Saud-al-Faisal, Defence Minister Prince Mohammad Bin Salman and other senior members of the government of Saudi Arabia. The delegation led by the prime minister underscored that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Saudi Arabia was a policy imperative for Pakistan.
The Pakistani delegation comprised of Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Shareef, Special Assistant on Foreign Affairs Tariq Fatemi.
The Foreign Office statement said that prime minister held a detailed meeting with King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud which was followed by meeting with the Crown Prince Muqrin Bin Abdul Aziz. Deputy Crown Prince and Minister for Interior Prince Mohammad Bin Naif and Defence Minister Prince Mohammad Bin Salman called on the prime minister, separately.
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif also held an extensive meeting with the Saudi defence minister and senior officials of the Defence Ministry. Later a meeting was also held between the prime minister and the President of Yemen Mansoor-al-Hadi. During the meetings, Pakistan condemned the violent overthrow of the legitimate government of Yemen by Houthis and stated it was deeply perturbed on external support of this process.
“Pakistan and Saudi Arabia agreed that this alarming and unacceptable trend will destabilize Middle East and encourage militants everywhere to challenge the State authority with violence.” “It is, therefore, not only the responsibility of the Coalition led by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to defeat the trend but that of the entire international community,” the statement said. Pakistan extended its support to the political objectives of the coalition led by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to restore unconditionally the legitimate government in Yemen and withdrawal of Houthis from the territories seized by them including the capital Sana’a.
Pakistan also offered to cooperate in delivering humanitarian assistance to the people of Yemen. Pakistan expressed its willingness to play a positive role in promoting a peaceful resolution of the ongoing political crisis in Yemen and render its support for implementation of UN Resolution 2216. The Foreign Office mentioning the people to people, economic and political relationship between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia noted that they have a robust and multifaceted defense relationship in line with the aspirations of both the peoples.
“Pakistan and Saudi Arabia agreed to further expand the existing defence, security and intelligence cooperation,” the statement said. Both the sides reiterated their condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and reaffirmed their desire to strengthen cooperation on this issue. The Saudi side acknowledged tremendous sacrifices made by Pakistan while combating terrorism and appreciated Pakistan’s contribution in making the region in particular and world at large a safer and better place.
King Salman Bin Abdulaziz and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif expressed satisfaction at the discussions held during the meeting and reiterated their commitment to further enhance bilateral relations. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif expressed deep gratitude for the warm reception and generous hospitality extended to him and members of his delegation. He reiterated his invitation to King Salman Bin Abdulaziz to visit Pakistan at his earliest convenience.
