‘Threat to Saudi territorial integrity to evoke strong response from Pakistan’

RAWALPINDI: Army Chief General Raheel Sharif said Sunday that Pakistan holds its defence ties with Saudi Arabia in highest esteem and re-asserted that any threat to the Kingdom’s territorial integrity would evoke a strong response from Pakistan.

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) said this while meeting with Saudi deputy crown prince and Defence Minister Mohammad bin Salman Al-Saud at General Headquarters this afternoon.

Matters related to regional security and defence cooperation came under discussion during the meeting, said a statement issued by the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR).

The COAS said Pakistan enjoys close and brotherly relations with Saudi Arabia and other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and attaches great importance to their security.

The Saudi Defence Minister said the KSA attaches great importance to Pakistan and its armed forces and appreciates their successes in fight against terrorism and efforts for regional stability.

Prince Mohammad also reaffirmed the Kingdom’s full support to Pakistan’s position on all matters.

Earlier, the Saudi crown prince was given a warm welcome on his arrival at Nur Khan Base in Islamabad by Minister of Defence Khwaja Muhammad Asif, Prime Minister's Adviser on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz, and other officials.

The Deputy Crown Prince is also scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif later on.