Saudi prince discusses security, defense issues with Pak leaders

EghtesadOnline: Saudi Arabia defense minister made a stopover in Islamabad last midnight on his way to China to discuss defense and security issues with top Pakistani political and military leaders.

News ID: ۷۶۹۰۷۲

29 August 2016

Saudi Deputy Crown Prince and Defense Minister Mohammed bin Salman met Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Army Chief General Raheel Sharif.

During the meetings, they discussed issues of mutual interest at the regional and international levels. Federal ministers, parliamentarians and Pakistan Army Chief General Raheel Sharif were also present on the occasion, according to IRNA.

The role of Pakistan in the Saudi-led so called anti-terrorism coalition was also discussed in the meeting.

The Saudi Defence Minister also held a separate meeting with Pakistan Army Chief General Raheel Sharif, and discussed regional security with particular focus on Middle East, an army statement said.

Pakistan army statement said that issues of bilateral relations including defence cooperation and collaboration also came under discussion.

Earlier, when Saudi Deputy Crown Prince and Defence Minister arrived in Islamabad, he was received by Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif at the airport. However the Saudi official did not hold a meeting with his Pakistani counterpart.

This was Saudi defense minster’s second visit to Pakistan.

Relations between the two countries saw unprecedented strain last year when parliament of Pakistan refused to allow the government to send troops to Yemen.