In meeting with army chief, Saudi FM emphasises ‘strategic nature of bilateral ties'

• Saudi delegation led by FM meets COAS Gen Asim Munir.
• COAS reiterates full support for high-level Saudi delegation.
• Discussions centered on mutual interests, says ISPR.

Emphasising on exploring multiple avenues for continued reinforcement of bilateral ties, Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal Bin Farhan Al Saud has underscored the enduring and strategic nature of the relationship between Riyadh and Islamabad.

According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the visiting dignitary made the remarks during a meeting with Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir on Tuesday.

“Discussions centered on mutual interests and policies to further bolster bilateral cooperation across various sectors,” said the military’s media wing.

In response, the COAS conveyed appreciation for the Saudi delegation's visit and affirmed the traditional bond of fraternity between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.

The ISPR further said that the army chief underscored the reverence and affection that the people of Pakistan hold for their Saudi brethren.

COAS Gen Munir reiterated full support for the delegation and conveyed his best wishes for mutually beneficial outcomes from the interaction for both states.

The Saudi delegation is currently visiting Pakistan on the direction of the Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman. The two-day visit comes soon after PM Shehbaz visited Saudi Arabia, during which the Kingdom had doubled down on its pledge to speed up the initial phase of their $5 billion investment in Pakistan.

Earlier today, the Saudi FM met with his Pakistani counterpart Ishaq Dar, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and President Asif Ali Zardari.

During his meeting with the Saudi delegation, PM Shehbaz said that Islamabad and Riyadh needed to work closely to expedite the first phase of Saudi investments under the new arrangement.

The PM expressed his deep appreciation for the leadership of KSA and conveyed his sincerest wishes to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud and the crown prince.

The prime minister also underscored the significance accorded by Pakistan to its longstanding fraternal, economic, and strategic relations with Saudi Arabia. He said both countries had always stood together at all times.

He also informed the delegation about the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) and its initiatives to promote investment in Pakistan.

The PM also highlighted the key role of COAS General Munir and the cooperation of all institutions for the promotion of investment in the country through SIFC.