Pakistan, KSA discuss regional security

President confers Nishan-e-Pakistan award on Saudi defence minister

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have reiterated their resolve to work together and further enhance bilateral cooperation for the mutual benefit of the two brotherly countries.

This was discussed at a meeting between President Asif Ali Zardari and the visiting Defence Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), His Royal Highness Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud, who called on him at Aiwan-i-Sadr on Saturday.

Prime Minister, Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Federal Minister for Defence and Defence Production, Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Chief of Army Staff, General Syed Asim Munir, and the Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan, Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki, were also present during the meeting.

Read more: No compromise on sovereignty, says president as nation celebrates Pakistan Day

While welcoming the visiting dignitary, the President said that Pakistan accorded utmost importance to its relations with Saudi Arabia as both countries enjoyed a fraternal bond, marked by shared faith and historical relations.

He underscored the need for further increasing bilateral cooperation in various fields. The President deeply thanked KSA for the support provided to Pakistan during challenging times. He lauded the leadership of His Majesty King Salman bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud and the vision of the Crown Prince His Royal Highness Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud that would propel Saudi Arabia towards remarkable progress.

 

Islamabad: President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee along with Tri-Services Chiefs at Pakistan Day Parade.
Defence Minister of Saudi Arabia, H.R.H Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud… pic.twitter.com/47N3lWsSdA

— APP 🇵🇰 (@appcsocialmedia) March 23, 2024

The Saudi Defence Minister highlighted that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia enjoyed strong historical, strategic and defence cooperation. He further stated that both countries should work together and support each other to further deepen bilateral relations.

He highlighted that his country believed in regional prosperity and had succeeded in increasing economic integration.

Islamabad: President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee along with Tri-Services Chiefs at Pakistan Day Parade.
Defence Minister of Saudi Arabia, H.R.H Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud… pic.twitter.com/ejH1HHKkPS

— APP 🇵🇰 (@appcsocialmedia) March 23, 2024

Earlier, the President of Pakistan, Asif Ali Zardari, conferred the Nishan-i-Pakistan award, during a Special Investiture Ceremony, on His Royal Highness Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud, Minister for Defence of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in recognition of his meritorious services towards further strengthening bilateral cooperation and his contribution towards peace in the region.

The president congratulated His Royal Highness Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud on the conferment of the award and thanked him for his role in promoting defence ties.

وزیر اعظم محمد شہباز شریف سے سعودی عرب کے وزیر دفاع عزت مآب شہزادہ خالد بن سلمان بن عبد العزیز آل سعود کی ملاقات۔
ملاقات میں علاقائی امن و سلامتی اور خطے کی سیکیورٹی صورت حال پر تبادلہ خیال۔
پاکستان اور سعودی عرب کے درمیان دیرینہ گہرے برادرانہ تعلقات ہیں جو کہ وقت کے ساتھ مزید… pic.twitter.com/zVJ2owB3rT

— APP 🇵🇰 (@appcsocialmedia) March 23, 2024

Separately, Prince Khalid called on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at the Prime Minister House and discussed in detail bilateral matters, regional peace, security and situation in the region.

Minister for Defence Khawaja Asif and Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir also attended the meeting.

They also exchanged views on increasing cooperation between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia in the areas of defence and security.

The prime minister said Pakistan and Saudi Arabia had close brotherly ties based on commonalities of religion, history and culture, which were further strengthening with the passage of time

Minister of Defense of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia His Royal Highness Prince Khalid bin Abdulaziz Al Saud calls on Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on 23 March 2024. #Pakistan #SaudiArabia #PMShehbazSharif @CMShehbaz @PakPMO @MoIB_Official @PakinSaudiArab @KSAmofaEN pic.twitter.com/4sB21TxYs0

— APP 🇵🇰 (@appcsocialmedia) March 23, 2024

Also read: President Zardari confers awards on officers, soldiers of armed forces

While mentioning, Special Investment Facilitation Council, the prime minister said the one-window operation was created for the investors through the establishment of the council, which would facilitate business activities and investment.

He said immense opportunities were present in Pakistan in different fields including agriculture, information technology and mining.

He underlined the need for further cooperation between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia in the fields of defence and economy. The PM reiterated his earlier invitation and said Pakistan was waiting to welcome the visit of His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman.

The Saudi Defence Minister felicitated the prime minister on assuming his office and expressed best wishes for him. He thanked Pakistan for inviting him as a special guest for Pakistan Day parade and said he had the opportunity to witness the best capabilities of armed forces of Pakistan during the parade.

He said the recent visit of Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir to Saudi Arabia was very important and fruitful to further promote defence relations of the two countries.

Pakistan, Saudi Arabia to work together, further enhance bilateral cooperation.