JEDDAH, Mar 13 (APP): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering support for Saudi Arabia during a meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah, emphasizing Islamabad’s commitment to stand by the Kingdom and work jointly for peace and stability in the region.
The prime minister undertook a brief visit to Saudi Arabia where he held a restricted meeting with the crown prince to discuss the evolving situation in the Middle East and the need for closer cooperation to promote regional stability.
At the start of the meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz conveyed his respectful regards to King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, and expressed appreciation for Saudi Arabia’s longstanding support to Pakistan.
Senior Pakistani officials including Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Syed Asim Munir were also present during the meeting.
According to an official statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office of Pakistan, the two sides held detailed discussions on the evolving regional situation and agreed to maintain close coordination in efforts aimed at ensuring peace and stability in the Middle East.
“The Prime Minister expressed Pakistan’s full solidarity and support for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in these challenging times,” the statement said.
The premier emphasized that Pakistan highly values its longstanding and brotherly ties with Saudi Arabia and will continue to work together for the shared goal of regional harmony.
“The Prime Minister assured His Royal Highness that Pakistan would always stand firmly with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and strive for their mutual desire for peace in the region,” the statement added.
Following the meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz returned to Pakistan.
Defence cooperation and regional tensions
The engagement came amid heightened tensions in the Middle East following recent conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel.
Last week, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir also held talks with Saudi Defence Minister Khalid bin Salman to discuss regional security and Iranian attacks on the Kingdom within the framework of the bilateral defence partnership.
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement (SMDA) in September last year, under which an attack on either country is considered an act of aggression against both.
Meanwhile, Iran has targeted US bases and other sites in Gulf countries, including the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, and has also closed the vital Strait of Hormuz, sending global oil prices sharply higher.
Saudi authorities said two drones headed towards the Shaybah oil field were intercepted and destroyed, while earlier attempts to target the facility had also been thwarted.
Although Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has expressed regret over strikes in regional countries, Tehran has maintained that it will target sites used to launch attacks on its territory.