Saudi minister visits COAS, expresses grief over flood devastation

ISPR says Gen Bajwa, Saudi defence minister disccused matters of mutual interest, bilateral defence among others

ISLAMABAD:

Minister of Defence Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and Transformation Management Office Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Doctor Samir bin Abdulaziz Al-Tabib visited Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Thursday, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) stated.

During the meeting, matters of mutual interest, bilateral defence, security cooperation and regional peace and stability were discussed.

The COAS told the Saudi minister that Pakistan valued its historical and brotherly relations with the Saudi Kingdom and acknowledged its unique place in the Islamic world.

The Saudi minister expressed his grief over the devastation caused by the ongoing floods in Pakistan.

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He further acknowledged Pakistan's defence potential and expressed the desire to enhance collaboration in defence and security sectors.

General Bajwa thanked the visiting guest for his efforts to strengthen bonds between the two brotherly countries.

Earlier, Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) expressed their condolences and sympathies with President Dr Arif Alvi over the loss of lives and injuries in the recent floods, inundating Pakistan.

In his cable, the custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman prayed for the deceased and their families in the flood-hit regions of the country.

Last month, Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari had a telephone call with his Saudi counterpart Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud and briefed him on the magnitude of devastation caused by floods and torrential monsoon rains in Pakistan.