Stand united: Islamabad reiterates support to Riyadh

Sartaj gives assurance to Saudi foreign minister on the sidelines of the OIC council of ministers meeting in Kuwait


Our Correspondent May 29, 2015
PHOTO: REUTERS

ISLAMABAD:


Prime Minister’s Adviser on National Security and Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz has reiterated Pakistan’s “unequivocal support and strong commitment” to the security and territorial integrity of Saudi Arabia, as well as protecting sanctity of the Two Holy Mosques.


He gave this assurance to Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Adel bin Ahmed al Jubeir during a meeting on the sidelines of OIC Council of Foreign Ministers’ Conference in Kuwait on Wednesday, said a Foreign Office statement. The Yemen crisis also came under discussion, it added.

Recently, Jubeir was given the crucial diplomatic portfolio as part of a major reshuffle approved by the Saudi King. It was his maiden meeting with any senior official from Pakistan since he was appointed as foreign minister.

The adviser reiterated Pakistan’s unequivocal support and strong commitment to the security and territorial integrity of Saudi Arabia and protection of Haramain Sharifain (Two Holy Mosques).

Aziz briefed Jubeir on Islamabad’s extensive efforts to engage the regional countries to resolve the Yemen conflict in a peaceful manner.

He extended warm congratulations to Jubeir on his appointment as foreign minister of the oil-rich Kingdom and conveyed his deep condolences over the loss of several precious lives in the terrorist attack in the eastern province of Saudi Arabia.

Foreign Minister Jubeir began with remarking that the two countries enjoyed close brotherly and strategic relations. “These relations are based on strong foundations and are destined to grow from strength to strength,” he said.

He referred to the multifaceted cooperation between Riyadh and Islamabad and underlined the need for further enhancing trade and investment between the two.

Jubeir expressed deep appreciation for the valuable contribution of the more than 2 million Pakistanis to the development of the Kingdom.

The adviser described the foreign minister on the successful outcome of the ongoing Zarb-e-Azb operation against militants and economic turnaround achieved by Pakistan.

Referring to the improving investment climate in the country, Aziz mentioned the multibillion-dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor project involving total investment of $46 billion over the next five to seven years. Expressing his personal affection for Pakistan, the foreign minister said he was looking forward to visiting Pakistan in the near future.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 29th, 2015.

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