-A high-level delegation led by CGS of the Saudi Armed Forces meets PM, COAS
By Asghar Ali Mubarak
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday expressed Pakistan’s commitment and support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Saudi Arabia. Talking to Chief of General Staff of the Saudi Armed Forces General Fayyadh bin Hameed Al-Rowailly here, the prime minister underlined the importance Pakistan attached to Saudi Arabia in broadening mutual cooperation and strengthening the people-to-people contacts.
During the meeting, views were exchanged on a range of important issues of common interest. Imran Khan expressed confidence that the recently established Saudi-Pakistan Supreme Coordination Council (SPSCC) would play a catalytic role in fostering enhanced bilateral cooperation in all fields. He welcomed the Saudi delegation and conveyed his warm regards to King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. He added that the people of Pakistan always accorded special reverence to the Saudi leadership.
The Prime Minister expressed satisfaction over the robust defence relationship between the two countries, and hoped that bilateral defence cooperation would grow further in the years ahead.
He also expressed Pakistan’s support for resolving the conflict in Yemen through dialogue and diplomacy, and appreciated Saudi efforts in this regard.
General Al-Rowailly acknowledged the excellent collaboration and appreciated the professionalism of Pakistan armed forces. Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have long-standing and historic fraternal relations, rooted deep in common faith, shared history and mutual support. Regular and high-level exchange of visits is a reflection of excellent relations between the two countries.
Later in the day, the delegation was called on General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) at General Headquarters, ISPR said Monday.According to the military’s media wing, during the meeting, geo-strategic environment, security situation in Afghanistan and matters of mutual interest were discussed including bilateral defence cooperation and Training Exchange Programme. In view of the evolving regional security situation, Saudi CGS expressed full support for Pakistan’s efforts for peace in the region.
The dignitary acknowledged Pakistan Army’s achievements in war against terrorism and contributions for regional peace and stability. Saudi CGS thanked Pakistan Army for its sustained assistance in training of Saudi Armed Forces and expressed his desire to enhance bilateral defence collaboration.
Earlier on arrival at GHQ, General Fayyadh Bin Hamed Al-Ruwaili laid floral wreath at Yadgar-e-Shuhada. A smartly turned out contingent of Pakistan Army presented Guard of Honour to the visiting dignitary. Earlier in May, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia agreed to give a strategic direction to their bilateral relations through a Saudi-Pakistan Supreme Coordination Council and diversify the existing bilateral political, economic, trade, defence and security ties.
The bilateral ties were discussed in the meeting between Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Prime Minister Imran Khan in Riyadh.
Following the meeting, both the leaders signed an agreement on Establishment of the Saudi-Pakistan Supreme Coordination Council (SPSCC) what Imran Khan hoped would play a catalytic role in fostering enhanced bilateral cooperation in all fields. The Council, co-chaired by the Prime Minister and the Crown Prince, is designed to impart strategic direction to the development of Pakistan-Saudi relations. During the meeting, the two leaders agreed to further strengthen, deepen and diversify the existing bilateral political, economic, trade, defence and security ties.
