Pakistan and Saudi Arabia to expand strategic partnership

MAKKAH: Pakistan and Saudi Arabia on Friday agreed to expand the existing strategic partnership, as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman discussed a wide-range of issues during a meeting held in the holy city.

A communique issued after the two sides held talks says the two countries promised to broaden the Pakistan-Saudi Arabia partnership according their leadership’s vision and the people’s wishes.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Information Minister Attaullah Tarar were part of the delegation accompanying the prime minister.

More importantly, the two-day visit to Saudi Arabia came after the prime minister recently flew to four other nations – Turkiye, Iran, Azerbaijan and Tajikistan – to highlight the country’s case in the backdrop of the latest Pakistan-India war.

The meeting reaffirmed the deep-rooted, strategic, and fraternal ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.

During the meeting, the prime minister expressed appreciation for Riyadh’s proactive role during recent tensions between Pakistan and India, as he briefed the crown prince on the related developments.

Shehbaz also expressed his gratitude for Saudi Arabia given its steadfast commitment to promoting peace and stability in the region and beyond.

At the same time, the prime minister underscored Pakistan’s policy of responsible restraint in the face of Indian aggression, emphasising that sustainable peace in South Asia was achievable only through dialogue.

Read more: Shehbaz Sharif repeats Pakistan-India talks proposal

Pakistan gave a befitting reply to India after its unrestrained and unwarranted aggression, he told the crown prince.

PALESTINE

On the other hand, the two leaders also held detailed discussions on the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. They stressed the need for the international community to fulfil its moral and legal obligations.

In this connection, the two sides reiterated their unwavering support for a just and durable resolution to the Palestinian question, grounded in the Arab Peace Initiative and the relevant UN Security Council resolutions.

On the occasion, Shehbaz extended a cordial invitation to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman – commonly known as MBS – to visit Pakistan, which he graciously accepted.