Army chief praises 'steadfast Saudi support' for Pakistan

Gen Asim meets crown prince, defence minister during Saudi visit

RAWALPINDI:

Chief of Army Staff Gen Syed Asim Munir on Wednesday expressed his gratitude to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for his steadfast support for Pakistan and acknowledged his significant role in fostering peace and stability across the region.

According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of the military, the army chief, who is currently on an official visit to Saudi Arabia, met with the crown prince at the Royal Palace.

"During this visit, the Chief of Army Staff met Crown Prince and Prime Minister His Royal Highness Mohammed bin Salman, who extended a warm welcome to General Asim Munir upon his arrival at the Royal Palace," the statement said.

"The two dignitaries engaged in a comprehensive discussion on a range of issues of mutual interest, including regional peace, defence and security cooperation, and strategies for enhancing bilateral relations," it added.

"The COAS expressed his gratitude to His Royal Highness for his steadfast support for Pakistan and acknowledged his significant role in fostering peace and stability across the region."

Meanwhile, the army chief held a separate meeting with Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid Bin Salman. During the meeting both sides vowed to further strengthen cooperation in the domain of defence and security.

During the visit, the army chief also held meetings with Engineer Talal Abdullah Al-Otaibi, Assistant Minister of Defence; Air Chief Marshal Fayyadh Bin Hamed Bin Raqeeb Al Ruwaili, Chief of General Staff of Royal Saudi Armed Forces and Lieutenant General Fahad bin Saud Al-Johani, Chief of Royal Saudi Land Forces, the ISPR said.