Army pledges support for capacity building of Saudi land forces

Maj Gen Talal Abdullah meets Gen Qamar Bajwa, lauds army's contributions for regional peace, stability: ISPR

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Bajwa affirmed on Thursday Pakistan's support for capacity building of Royal Saudi Land Forces.

The pledge was made in his meeting with Major General Talal Abdullah Al-Otaibi, military adviser to KSA's defence minister at the GHQ, Rawalpindi.

According to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the military's media wing, the visiting dignitary lauded Pakistan Army's contributions towards regional peace and stability.

"Matters of mutual interest, regional security and ways to enhance bilateral defence collaboration including training exchange programme were discussed," the communique added.

The kingdom's ambassador Nawaz Saeed al Malkiy was also present in the meeting.

The two Muslim countries have doubled down on the strategic military partnership.

Islamabad has reached out to the Middle Eastern state to lend their support for Pakistan's stance on the Kashmir issue.

Last week, Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Adel bin Ahmed al-Jubeir and UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan had also visited Islamabad to reassure their support to Pakistan.

The diplomatic mission has remained active ever since New Delhi moved to strip Indian Occupied Kashmir (IOK) of its autonomy on August 5.

The Indian government has resorted to strong-arm tactics as the siege of the Himalayan valley enters its second month.

The Pakistan Army has resolved that Kashmir is Pakistan's jugular vein, and would fight to the end for the freedom struggle of its eight million residents.