PM Abbasi, King Salman discuss bilateral ties, regional issues

RIYADH: Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and King Salman Bin Abdulaziz of Saudi Arabia discussed bilateral relations as well as the regional and international issues of mutual interest, as they met here Monday during the former’s one-day visit to the Kingdom.

The prime minister was accompanied by Foreign Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa and Director General of Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Lt Gen Naveed Mukhtar.

During the visit, PM Abbasi held meetings with the Custodian of the two Holy Mosques, His Majesty King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud and the Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman Al-Saud.

King Salman also hosted a luncheon in honour of the Pakistan premier and delegates.

During his meeting with the King Salman, the two dignitaries reviewed the entire spectrum of their bilateral relations in addition to regional and international issues. They also discussed ways and means to further enhance their bilateral relations in diverse fields.

PM Abbasi lauded the efforts of the Saudi leadership in bringing peace and stability to the region and assured the Saudi King of Pakistan’s full support in this regard.

On the occasion, King Salman praised the excellent relations that exist between the two sides and efforts of Pakistan in rooting out the menace of terrorism and extremism from its soil.

During his meeting with the crown prince, the prime minister praised his vision for launching the national economic transformation plan ‘Vision 2030’ and offered Pakistan’s technical and human resource assistance in achieving it.

He also appreciated the efforts and dedication of the Prince Mohammad Bin Salman in launching a unified platform of Muslim countries, in the form of Islamic Military Alliance to Combat Terrorism (IMCTC), for countering the menaces of extremism and terrorism that were distorting the real essence of Islam.

The Saudi crown prince, while appreciating the efforts of Pakistan in fighting terrorism and its active participation in IMCTC, said that Saudi Arabia and other countries of the coalition looked forward to learn from Pakistan’s experience in this field.

He underscored the fact that there was a great potential for further strengthening of our bilateral relations, especially in the fields of economy, trade, investment and defence.

Earlier upon arrival in Saudi Arabia, the prime minister was received at King Salman Airbase by the Governor of Riyadh province, Prince Faisal Bin Bandar Al-Saud.

This was the second visit of Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi to Saudi Arabia.

Earlier, the prime minister visited Saudi Arabia soon after assuming office.

Later, PM Abbasi left for Pakistan at the conclusion of his visit.