Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman Al Saud has called for boosting bilateral ties in a meeting with Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir, the military’s media wing said on Saturday.
“Saudi Arabia-Pakistan have historical and strong brotherly relations. Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have always been well-wishers of each other,” he was quoted as saying in a press release issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations.
The Saudi defence minister, who previously served as an F-15 pilot in the Royal Saudi Air Force, was the guest of honour of the Pakistan Day ceremony.
He attended the ceremony with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, President Asif Ali Zardari, and Defence Minister Khawaja Asif.
Pakistan Day commemorates the passing of the Lahore Resolution on March 23, 1940, when the All-India Muslim League demanded a separate nation for the Muslims of the British Indian Empire.
The army chief and the defence minister had received Prince Khalid upon his arrival at the Nur Khan airbase to attend the ceremony. The visiting dignitary later called on COAS Munir and discussed matters of mutual interest, promoting ties between the two countries, and boosting ties in different sectors including defence.
COAS Munir thanked Prince Khalid for visiting Pakistan. The Saudi defence minister also thanked the army chief for inviting him as the guest of honour at the Pakistan Day parade.
The visiting dignitary left for Saudi Arabia after the visit. The army chief saw off the Saudi defence minister at Nur Khan Airbase as his visit to the country came to an end.
Pakistan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have reiterated their resolve to work together and further enhance bilateral cooperation for the mutual benefit of the two brotherly countries.
This was discussed at a meeting between President Asif Ali Zardari and Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud, who called on him at Aiwan-i-Sadr on Saturday.
While welcoming the visiting dignitary, the president said that Pakistan accorded “utmost importance” to its relations with Saudi Arabia as both countries enjoyed a fraternal bond, marked by shared faith and historical relations.
He underscored the need for further increasing bilateral cooperation in various fields. The president “deeply thanked” the KSA for the support provided to Pakistan during challenging times.
He lauded the leadership of King Salman bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud and the vision of the Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman that would propel Saudi Arabia towards remarkable progress.
The Saudi defence minister highlighted that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia enjoyed strong historical, strategic and defence cooperation. He further stated that both countries should work together and support each other to further deepen bilateral relations.
He highlighted that his country believed in regional prosperity and had succeeded in increasing economic integration.
Earlier, President Zardari conferred the Nishan-i-Pakistan award on Prince Khalid during a special investiture ceremony in recognition of his meritorious services towards further strengthening bilateral cooperation and his contribution towards peace in the region.
The president congratulated Prince Khalid on the conferment of the award and thanked him for his role in promoting defence ties.
Prince Khalid called on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at the Prime Minister’s House on Saturday and discussed in detail bilateral matters, regional peace, security and the situation in the region, according to the Associated Press of Pakistan. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and COAS Munir also attended the meeting.
They also exchanged views on increasing cooperation between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia in the areas of defence and security.
The PM congratulated the defence minister on receiving Pakistan’s highest civil award Nishan-e-Pakistan. He thanked the visiting dignitary for attending the Pakistan Day parade as a special guest.
PM Shehbaz expressed best wishes for the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have close brotherly ties based on commonalities of religion, history and culture, which were further strengthened with the passage of time, PM Shehbaz said and added that the South Asian country “greatly valued its relations” with Saudi Arabia
“Saudi Arabia fully supported Pakistan on every front.”
He said during his previous tenure as prime minister, Saudi Arabia played a very critical role in improving the economic situation of Pakistan, and it was highly regarded.
While mentioning the Special Investment Facilitation Council, the PM said that one window operation was created for the investors through the establishment of the council that would facilitate business activities and investment.
He said that immense opportunities were present in Pakistan in different fields including agriculture, information technology and mining.
He underlined the need for further cooperation between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia in the fields of defence and economy. The PM reiterated his earlier invitation and said Pakistan was waiting to welcome the visit of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
The Saudi Defence Minister felicitated the PM on assuming his office and expressed best wishes to him.He thanked Pakistan for inviting him as a special guest for the Pakistan Day parade and said he had the opportunity to see the best capabilities of the armed forces of Pakistan during the parade.
He said the recent visit of COAS Munir to Saudi Arabia was “very important and fruitful to further promote defence relations” between the two countries.
