Army chief meets Saudi crown prince to discuss regional security

Prince Mohammed bin Salman expresses optimism towards Pakistan and the newly elected PTI govt

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Tuesday night discussed regional security among other matters of mutual interest with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman, Pakistan's military said.

Saudi Crown Prince, Mohammad Bin Salman invited Chief of Army Staff for a meeting followed by dinner at Mina last night. Saudi Crown Prince congratulated COAS on performing Hajj. Both discussed wide ranging issues of mutual interest including regional security (1 of 2).

— DG ISPR (@OfficialDGISPR) August 22, 2018

Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR) Major General Asif Ghafoor tweeted on Wednesday that the meeting took place at Mina followed by a dinner upon invitation by Saudi Prince Salman, who extended best wishes for Pakistan in days to come.

Prince Mohammed also relayed ‘strong optimism’ about Pakistan's ability to defeat the challenges at hand and expressed his best wishes and support to the newly elected government of the country.

The crown prince also congratulated Gen Qamar on performing Hajj, according to the ISPR chief.

The army chief thanked the crown prince for his best wishes for the newly elected government.

Prince Mohammad Bin Salman expressed his strong optimism about success of Pakistan in defeating challenges at hand. Crown Prince also expressed his best wishes & support to the newly elected government.
COAS thanked his highness for best wishes and support for Pakistan (2 of 2).

— DG ISPR (@OfficialDGISPR) August 22, 2018

The meeting took place days after the Saudi leadership, including King Salman bi Abdul Aziz and his crown prince contacted Prime Minister Imran Khan at least on three occasions before he took oath of the top office.

In one of the interactions, Prince Mohammed told the then prime minister-designate that the kingdom was very much interested in investing heavily in a bid to strengthen its trade ties with Pakistan. He also highlighted ‘extensive’ economic and trade opportunities in Pakistan.

King Salman had also telephoned Imran Khan and conveyed that the kingdom would always be at the forefront to help Pakistan. The Saudi king and crown prince had also reached out to Imran and shared their hope to see a prosperous Pakistan a day earlier.