“Building
on a solid legacy, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are progressing towards a
comprehensive defence relationship for the twenty-first century.”
This was stated by Minister for
Defence Khurram Dastgir Khan while welcoming Saudi Deputy Defence Minister
Mohammad bin Abdullah Al-Aysh, who called on him at the Ministry of Defence.
Secretary Defence Lt. Gen. (Retd)
Zamir ul Hassan Shah, Additional Secretary Defence Rear Admiral Faisal Rasool
Lodhi and Saudi Ambassador Nawaf Saeed Al-Malki were present during the
meeting.
Federal Minister expressed good wishes
and prayers for health and prosperity of the custodian of the two Holy Mosques,
HRH King Salman Bin Abdul Aziz.
Federal Minister highlighted the
extensive LoC violations from Indian side, which have resulted in numerous
civilian casualties. Minister convey Pakistan’s expectation from KSA
to play its diplomatic role to redress the situation.
Deputy Defence Minister of the Saudi
Arabia stated that KSA seeks Pakistan’s support for training to Saudi armed
forces; especially in domain of counter terrorism, asymmetric warfare and
mountain fighting.
Khurram Dastgir Khan noted that
despite enduring Pak-KSA relations, there is no formal strategic cooperation
agreement. Federal Minister proposed an all-encompassing strategic Cooperation
Agreement to deepen defence ties between two countries.
Minister highlighted that as part of
the strategic cooperation, agreements between national defence universities of
both the countries may be formalized in order to expand cooperation in
strategic planning.
Defence Minister sent his
felicitations to the Saudi Crown Prince for holding a successful Ministerial
meeting of Islamic Military Coalition to Fight Terrorism, and reiterated
Pakistan’s commitment to safeguard the territorial integrity of the Kingdom and
safety of Harmain Sharefain.
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