MM News

RAWALPINDI: Interior Minister of Saudi Arabia Prince Abdulaziz Bin Saud Bin Naif called on Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa at General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi.

According to a statement released by the Inter-Service Public Relations (ISPR), matters of mutual interest, regional security, the current situation in Afghanistan, and bilateral defence relations between the two countries were discussed in the meeting.

On the occasion, the army chief said that Pakistan values its historical and brotherly relations with the Kingdom and acknowledges its unique place in the Islamic world.

The Saudi minister appreciated Pakistan’s role in the Afghan situation, special efforts for border management, role in regional stability, and pledged to play his part for further improvement in diplomatic cooperation with Pakistan at all levels, the statement said.

Meeting with President Alvi

Earlier, the visiting Saudi Minister for Interior met President Dr Arif Alvi in Islamabad and reiterated the importance of further strengthening and diversifying bilateral cooperation in various areas of mutual interest.

President Alvi said both brotherly countries enjoy excellent relations which need to be further cemented for the mutual benefit of the two countries. Regarding the release of Pakistani prisoners in Saudi Arabia, 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 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.

The Saudi Minister informed that steps are being taken to help address the issue of Pakistani prisoners by the technical teams of the two countries. The president appreciated the role and support of Saudia Arabia for hosting over two million Pakistanis and its benevolent approach towards them during the pandemic.