Zardari, Shehbaz discuss Makkah accord, economic and regional challenges

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday discussed the trilateral agreement signed last week between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye, regional security and efforts to combat terrorism during a meeting at the President’s House.

The prime minister briefed the president on the “historic” peace agreement reached among Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye in Makkah, according to a statement issued by the President’s Media Wing.

President Zardari expressed his best wishes for the effective implementation of the trilateral agreement, particularly in promoting defence cooperation, regional peace and stability, and the security of the Muslim Ummah.

The president also appreciated the efforts of Prime Minister Shehbaz and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir to transform the longstanding brotherly ties among Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye into a stronger strategic partnership.

The two leaders also discussed domestic and foreign affairs and paid tribute to the professional capabilities of Pakistan’s armed forces and law enforcement agencies in operations against militants.

They reiterated their resolve to completely eliminate terrorism from the country.

President Zardari stressed the need for effective measures to provide relief to the public amid prevailing regional circumstances, ensure uninterrupted supplies of essential commodities and make them available at reasonable prices.

He expressed hope that Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts to promote regional and global peace would further strengthen the country’s standing internationally and have a positive impact on the economy and people’s lives.

The meeting was also attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan and Senator Sherry Rehman.

The meeting took place as Pakistan marked its Independence Day on August 14, with Prime Minister Shehbaz also conveying greetings to President Zardari on the occasion.