COAS discusses bilateral military ties with Saudi crown prince

COAS General Qamar Javed Bajwa is on a visit to Riyadh

Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa called on Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh, Radio Pakistan reported.

During the meeting, the COAS and Saudi crown prince discussed bilateral military ties among other issues of common interest. Saudi Vice President of the Council of Ministers and the minister of defence were also present at the meeting.

The army chief also met Saudi Commander of Ground Forces, Lieutenant General Prince Fahd bin Turki bin Abdulaziz on the sidelines.

HRH Crown Prince Meets with Pakistani Army Chief.https://t.co/Ojt9elQ1AV#SPAGOV pic.twitter.com/iIVVt70eB9

— SPAENG (@Spa_Eng) February 1, 2018

However, there was no official statement from Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) of the army chief's visit.

In December 2017, the army chief discussed regional security and enhanced bilateral defence cooperation during his meeting with the Saudi deputy defense minister. The deputy defence minister appreciated professional standing and performance of Pakistan Army.

In October 2017, COAS arrived on an 'unannounced' visit to Riyadh where he met Prince Mohammad bin Salman and discussed bilateral issues, with special emphasis on military-to-military relations. Attendees at the meeting included senior Saudi officials, according to the SPA.

On the occasion, the two exchanged views on bilateral ties, especially on the military relations. Ground Forces Lieutenant General Prince Fahd bin Turki bin Abdulaziz also hosted a luncheon in honour of the army chief. A number of officials attended the meeting, the report added.