The Foreign Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Dr. Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir paid a working visit to Pakistan on 7thJanuary 2016. During his visit, he called on the Prime Minister and held delegation level talks with the Advisor to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs. He also met the Chief of Army Staff at General Headquarters.
Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, during Dr. Adel Al-Jubeir’s call, stressed that the people of Pakistan held the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in high esteem and also had deep respect for the Custodian of the two Holy Mosques. The Prime Minister affirmed that the people of Pakistan will always stand shoulder to shoulder with the people of Saudi Arabia against any threat to territorial integrity and sovereignty of Saudi Arabia.
The Foreign Minister briefed the Prime Minister on details of the Islamic coalition, announced by Saudi Arabia to fight terrorism. The Prime Minister stated that Pakistan welcomes Saudi Arabia’s initiative and stressed that Pakistan supports all such regional and international efforts to counter terrorism and extremism.
The Prime Minister called for further strengthening and expanding bilateral relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, in all fields of cooperation, including defence, security, economic and commercial cooperation.
The Prime Minister urged intensified efforts to further boost bilateral trade. The Prime Minister also urged increased Saudi investment in Pakistan, especially in the energy sector where Pakistan offers attractive investment regime. The Saudi Foreign Minister briefed the Prime Minister on the ongoing programs to enhance Saudi investment in critical sectors of Pakistan’s economy.
Foreign Minister Al-Jubeir briefed the Prime Minister on the recent situation in the Kingdom’s relations with Iran. Pakistan expressed deep concern at the escalation of the situation and condemned the burning down of Saudi Embassy in Tehran. Pakistan believes in respect for international norms and adherence to principle of non-interference. The Prime Minister called for resolution of differences through peaceful means in the larger interest of the Muslim unity in this challenging time.
The visiting Foreign Minister also held delegation level talks with Advisor to the Prime Minister Mr. Sartaj Aziz. In the talks, held under bilateral political consultation mechanism, the two sides discussed the ways and means to further expand areas of bilateral cooperation. The two sides also discussed ways to deepen bilateral cooperation in all fields. Both sides agreed to hold political consultations twice a year alternately in Islamabad and Riyadh.
Views were also exchanged on fighting terrorism and extremism. The Advisor briefed the Saudi Foreign Minister on the successful campaign that Pakistan has waged against the twin menace of terrorism and extremism. The two sides underscored the need to develop jointly a counter narrative against extremism and terrorism with the help of Ulemas.
The two delegations also discussed regional and global issues of common concern. It was agreed that both countries would make a concerted effort to promote multi-faceted cooperation and work together to defeat our common enemy – terrorism and extremism.
All the above meetings were held in an atmosphere of warmth, friendship and cordiality that characterizes the historic and fraternal relations between the two countries.
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