Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, President Asif Ali Zardari and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir on Saturday met with Saudi Arabia’s Defence Minister, Prince Khalid bin Salman Al Saud, during his official visit to mark Pakistan Day.

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

Minister for Defence Khawaja Asif and the army chief also attended the meeting. They also exchanged views on increasing cooperation between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia in the areas of defence and security.

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

The prime minister congratulated the Saudi defence minister on receiving Pakistan’s highest civil award Nishan-e-Pakistan. He thanked Prince Khalid for attending the Pakistan Day parade as a special guest.

PM Shehbaz expressed best wishes for the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Al Saud.

Talking to the Saudi defence minister, 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.

Pakistan greatly valued its relations with Saudi Arabia, he said, adding that Saudi Arabia fully supported Pakistan on every front. He said that during his previous tenure as prime minister, Saudi Arabia played a very critical role in improving the economic situation of Pakistan, and it was highly regarded.

Shehbaz said that the people of Pakistan had a special place in their hearts for the Saudi royal family. While mentioning, the Special Investment Facilitation Council, the prime minister said one window operation was created for the investors through the establishment of the council, which would facilitate business activities and investment.

He said that 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 that 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 the Pakistan Day parade and said he had the opportunity to witness the best capabilities of the armed forces of Pakistan during the parade. He said that the recent visit of COAS Munir to Saudi Arabia was very important and fruitful to further promote defence relations of the two countries.

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. President Zardari deeply thanked KSA for the support provided to Pakistan during challenging times.

He lauded the leadership of Salman bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud and the vision of the Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud that would propel Saudi Arabia towards remarkable progress.

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

Prince Khalid 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.

Earlier, President Zardari conferred the Nishan-i-Pakistan award, during a Special Investiture Ceremony, on Prince Khalid in recognition of his meritorious services towards further strengthening bilateral cooperation and his contribution towards peace in the region.

The President congratulated Prince Khalid on the conferment of the award and thanked him for his role in promoting defence ties.

Following the Pakistan Day ceremony, according to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud held a meeting with the army chief.

During the meeting, they discussed mutual interests, enhancing bilateral relations, and increasing cooperation, particularly in various fields including defence.

“Saudi Arabia and Pakistan share historic and strong brotherly relations; Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have always remained well-wishers of each other,” the Saudi minister was quoted as saying by the ISPR.

The army chief expressed gratitude to the Saudi minister for visiting Pakistan. The esteemed guest also thanked the COAS for inviting him as the guest of honour at the Pakistan Day parade.

After a successful one-day visit to Pakistan, the Saudi minister departed for his homeland. Before his departure, the army chief bid farewell to Prince Khalid at the Nur Khan Air Base.

With additional input from APP