ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday strongly condemned the Houthi militia attacks targeting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), reaffirming Pakistan’s full support for the Kingdom’s security, sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The prime minister reiterated the resolve during a meeting with Saudi Arabia Interior Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Nayef bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, who called on him at the Prime Minister’s House in Islamabad.
During the meeting, the premier praised the leadership role of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud in promoting Islamic unity, and acknowledged the endeavours of the Saudi Arabia for peace and security in the region.
He also lauded the vision of Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman for KSA’s progress and prosperity and his invaluable contribution to the abiding fraternal relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
The prime minister particularly thanked the Kingdom for its steadfast support to Pakistan, especially in challenging times and for the recent financial budgetary support extended to Pakistan.
Thanking the Saudi leadership for hosting a large Pakistani community, the prime minister emphasized the need for further strengthening people-to-people linkages.
Noting the conclusion of the Agreement on Transfer of Offenders between the two countries, he expressed the hope that a large number of Pakistani prisoners in KSA would be repatriated to Pakistan through this framework.
Prince Abdulaziz conveyed cordial greetings of the crown prince to the prime minister and reaffirmed the close fraternal relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
He also acknowledged the positive contribution of Pakistanis in the development of the Kingdom and reiterated the resolve to work closely with the Pakistan side on all matters relating to his ministry.
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are bound in a fraternal relationship marked by mutual trust and understanding, close cooperation, and an abiding tradition of supporting each other.
Pakistan, KSA reiterate to further strengthen bilateral cooperation
Pakistan, Saudi Arabia have reiterated the importance of further strengthening and diversifying bilateral cooperation in various areas of mutual interest@ArifAlvi @PresOfPakistan @ShkhRasheed @ForeignOfficePk https://t.co/VUaCVdlH7N pic.twitter.com/onnLrdkym5
— Radio Pakistan (@RadioPakistan) February 7, 2022
Earlier in the day, Saudi Minister for Interior Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud also called on President Arif Alvi in Islamabad. Both dignitaries reiterated the importance of further strengthening and diversifying bilateral cooperation in various areas of mutual interest.
Welcoming the Saudi Interior Minister, the President said both brotherly countries enjoy excellent relationship which needs to be further cemented for the mutual benefit of the two countries.
Regarding the release of Pakistani prisoners in KSA, he hoped that the Saudi Government would give positive consideration to release prisoners who have completed their sentences.
The President also expressed gratitude to the Saudi leadership for launching the “Road to Mecca” pilot project and stated that the Government of Pakistan is looking forward to its expansion to other cities of the country.
He thanked KSA for the valuable support in the OIC and FATF as well as its participation in the 17th Extraordinary Session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers held in December last year, in Islamabad, besides providing financial support to Pakistan.
Dr Arif Alvi highlighted that both countries have shared concerns in Afghanistan and urged the international community to help the Afghan people in the hour of need to save them from human catastrophe.
Saudi minister arrives in Islamabad
اسلام آباد ۔ 7 فروری
سعودی وزیر داخلہ پرنس عبدالعزیز بن سعود بن نائف (Prince Abdul Aziz bin Saud bin Naif) ایک روزہ دورے پر پاکستان پہنچ گئے-
وزیر داخلہ شیخ رشید احمد نے نور خان ائیر بیس راولپنڈی پر سعودی وزیر داخلہ کا اور انکے وفداستقبال کیا۔ pic.twitter.com/vZR6vkwjbX
— Sheikh Rashid Ahmed (@ShkhRasheed) February 7, 2022
The Saudi minister arrived in Islamabad earlier today. Naif, who is accompanied by a delegation, was received by his Pakistani counterpart, Sheikh Rashid, at the Nur Khan Airbase in Rawalpindi, Rashid said in a tweet.
Interior secretary Yousaf Naseem and other senior officials were also present on the occasion, APP reported.
According to state-run Radio Pakistan, the Saudi minister is visiting Pakistan on Rashid’s invitation and will hold meetings with him, as well as Prime Minister Imran Khan and President Arif Alvi.
“Regional situation, release of Pakistani prisoners in Saudi Arabia and other matters of mutual interest will be discussed during the visit,” the Radio Pakistan report said.
