Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met Chief of General Staff of the Armed Forces of Saudi Arabia, General Fayyad bin Hamed Al Ruwaili, who called on him at the Prime Minister’s House on Monday.

While conveying his warm wishes to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, as well as to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the prime minister reaffirmed his steadfast resolve to further strengthen the historic fraternal ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia in all domains, including defence, security and economic cooperation, according to an official statement.

The prime minister welcomed General Al Ruwaili and conveyed Pakistan’s deep appreciation for the unwavering support and solidarity extended by the brotherly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at all times.

He underlined that the relationship between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia was rooted in shared faith, common values, and mutual trust.

Recalling his highly successful visits to Riyadh in the last two months, during which the historic Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement (SMDA) was signed between the two sides, Shehbaz expressed Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to further deepening of bilateral defence collaboration, including joint training, exercises, and exchange of expertise.

Prime Minister Shehbaz also highlighted the shared resolve of both countries to combat terrorism and extremism in all its forms and manifestations, and to promote peace and stability in the region.

General Al Ruwaili conveyed the warm greetings of the Saudi leadership to the prime minister and the people of Pakistan.

He reiterated the kingdom’s strong desire to elevate the existing excellent defence and strategic partnership with Pakistan to new heights.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister & Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, SAPM Tariq Fatemi and other senior officials from both sides.