PM Nawaz Sharif reaffirms support to Saudi Arabia against any threat

Lahore: Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif on Sunday reaffirmed that the people of Pakistan would always stand with the people of Saudi Arabia, against any threat to its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The people of Pakistan were bonded with the people of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia through historical, cultural and Islamic ties of brotherhood, he added.

The Prime Minister was talking to Saudi Deputy Crown Prince and Defence Minister Prince Muhammad bin Salman al Saud, who called on him here.He welcomed the Deputy Crown Prince and said that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Custodian of the Holy Mosques were held in high esteem by the people of Pakistan.He also welcomed the Saudi initiative to establish a coalition of like-minded Islamic countries to counter terrorism and militancy, and informed the Deputy Crown Prince that Pakistan supported efforts to counter terrorism and extremism.

The Prime Minister recalled that Pakistan had historically pursued the policy of promoting brotherhood among member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). “Pakistan has also always expressed its readiness to offer its good offices to brotherly Muslim countries for resolution of their differences through peaceful dialogue and reconciliation,” he added.

The two leaders agreed to further strengthen the bilateral relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia and deepen the cooperation in all fields, including defence security, fight against terrorism, trade and investment, and manpower requirements of the Kingdom, said a press release.

The Deputy Crown Prince appreciated the valiant efforts waged by the security and law enforcement authorities to root out terrorism from Pakistan, particularly through the military campaign Zarb-e-Azb.

He was briefed on the progress in implementing National Action Plan to eliminate extremism and terrorism. It was agreed that the two countries would cooperate in developing an effective counter-narrative to defeat the extremist mindset.

The visit provided a welcome opportunity to both sides to reaffirm their shared resolve to deepen bilateral cooperation and work together to address the challenge of terrorism, which was common enemy for the both.