ISLAMABAD - Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has called for beginning of a new era of PAK-Saudi strategic relationship to further broaden the existing cordial bilateral relations.
Talking to Saudi Deputy Defence Minister Prince Suleman bin Sultan bin Abdul Aziz here on Monday‚ the PM said that in view of current challenges‚ there is a need to further strengthen defence cooperation between the two countries.
The PM appreciated the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s (KSA) role in implementation of the United Nations Global Counterterrorism Strategy. While discussing the regional situation‚ Nawaz said that Pakistan reiterates its keen support for the peace process in Afghanistan and believes that a peaceful and stable Afghanistan is in regional interest.
The PM said that Pakistan remains committed to fighting terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. It has suffered enormous human and financial losses in the fight against terrorism. However‚ these losses have not dented our resolve to fight this menace. He also said that Pakistan supports all efforts aimed at strengthening unity among the Islamic countries.
Agencies add: Saudi Deputy Defence Minister Prince Salman called on Defence Minister Khawaja Asif here at the Ministry of Water and Power on Monday and expressed his country’s keen interest in Pakistani defence products. Defence Secretary Lt-Gen (r) Asif Yasin Malik, top officials of defence ministry and Saudi Ambassador Abdul Aziz Abdullah Al-Ghadeer were also present.
Khawaja Asif stressed that Pakistan has always received generous help from its Muslim brothers in hour of need and in the regard the consistent support from Saudi Arabia is commendable.
He said that Pakistan has faced a lot of difficulties during the ongoing war on terror and has laid down unprecedented sacrifices. “We have not only lost our brave and valiant soldiers but the civilian population has also suffered immensely “, he added. Pakistan believes in regional stability and peaceful Afghanistan, he said.

Saudi deputy defence minister showed keen interest in the defence products being produced at Pakistan Defence Industries. He appreciated the quality and standard of the products being produced at low prices. He added that the establishment of Joint Military Cooperation Committee (JMCC) as well as Military Cooperation Committee (MCC) will prove beneficial forums to improve defence cooperation between the two countries.