Saudi Arabia 'fully supports' Pakistan’s efforts for regional peace

Army chief meets Saudi CGS and discusses security situation in Afghanistan and matters of mutual interest, says ISPR

Acknowledging Pakistan Army's achievements in the war against terrorism, Saudi Arabia has said that it "fully supports" Pakistan’s efforts for peace in the region, a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said.

A high-level military delegation led by Chief of General Staff (CGS) of Saudi Arabia General Fayyadh Bin Hamed Al-Ruwaili called on Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa at the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi on Monday.

During the meeting, according to the ISPR, the geostrategic environment, the security situation in Afghanistan and matters of mutual interest were discussed including bilateral defence cooperation and Training Exchange Programme.

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"In view of the evolving regional security situation, the Saudi CGS expressed full support for Pakistan’s efforts for peace in the region," the military's media wing added.

It said that the visiting dignitary acknowledged the Pakistan Army’s achievements in the war against terrorism and contributions to the regional peace and stability.

"The Saudi CGS thanked the Pakistan Army for its sustained assistance in the training of Saudi Armed Forces and expressed his desire to enhance bilateral defence collaboration," the official communiqué read.

On arrival at the GHQ, General Fayyadh Bin Hamed Al-Ruwaili laid a floral wreath at Yadgar-e-Shuhada. A smartly turned out contingent of the Pakistan Army presented guard of honour to the dignitary.

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Earlier today, the Saudi CGS also met Prime Minister Imran Khan. The premier expressed satisfaction at the robust defence relationship between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia and hoped that bilateral defence cooperation between the two countries will grow further in the years ahead.

Reaffirming the close fraternal ties between the two countries, the prime minister underscored Pakistan’s commitment and support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the kingdom.

During the meeting, the PMO said, views were exchanged on a range of important issues of common interest. the premier underlined the importance attached by Pakistan to further deepening and broadening mutual cooperation and strengthening people-to-people linkages with the kingdom. He hoped that the recently established Saudi-Pakistan Supreme Coordination Council (SPSCC) would play a catalytic role in fostering enhanced bilateral cooperation in all fields.

General Al-Rowailly acknowledged the excellent collaboration and appreciated the professionalism of the Pakistan Armed Forces.

During the meeting, according to the statement, the latest situation in Yemen was also discussed. The prime minister expressed Pakistan’s support for resolving the conflict in Yemen through dialogue and diplomacy and appreciated Saudi efforts in this regard.

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, the PMO statement further said.

A high level military delegation led by Chief of General Staff (CGS) General Fayyadh Bin Hamed Al-Ruwaili of Saudi Arabia called on Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa at General Headquarters today, according to ISPR pic.twitter.com/GTvU8nZ4jF

— The Express Tribune (@etribune) August 16, 2021