ISLAMABAD: Pakistani ship “Zulfiquar” arrived at the port in Jeddah on Thursday as part of efforts to strength ties between the navies of the two friendly countries, the Pakistan navy said in a statement.
The Pakistani and Saudi naval forces have enjoyed close relations for decades. The Pakistani navy provided training to Saudi officers and sailors during the Saudi Navy’s formative years, while Saudi Arabia has given the Pakistan navy free-of-cost fuel on many occasions.
On arrival at the Jeddah port, the host navy and Pakistani diplomatic officials welcomed the ship and crew.
“Commander of the Saudi Navy Western Fleet Command and Commander Western Naval Aviation Group visited PNS Zulfiquar,” Pakistan Navy said in a statement.
Before arriving in Jeddah, the ship had participated in bilateral naval exercises with the Moroccan and Algerian navies, which included advanced Maritime maneuvers, Maritime Interdiction Operations (MIO), Boarding and Force Protection drills.
Saudi officials also discussed professional matters of mutual interest with the Pakistani ship’s commanding officer, who conveyed a message of goodwill from the Pakistani naval chief to the people of Saudi Arabia, especially members of the Saudi navy.
Earlier this year, Admiral Niazi visited Saudi Arabia to discuss bilateral defense ties in January.
Pakistan navy’s ‘Zulfiquar’ visits Jeddah Port in Saudi Arabia
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Pakistan navy’s ‘Zulfiquar’ visits Jeddah Port in Saudi Arabia
- Pakistan navy provided training to Saudi officers and sailors during Saudi navy’s formative years
- Saudi Arabia has given the Pakistan navy free-of-cost fuel on many occasions
Pakistan lauds Qatar for Gaza peace efforts, facilitating talks with Afghanistan
- PM Shehbaz Sharif greets Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on Qatar’s National Day occasion
- Qatar hosted peace talks between Pakistan, Afghanistan after fierce border clashes in October
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised Qatar on Thursday for its role in bringing about a fragile ceasefire in Gaza and facilitating talks between neighbors Pakistan and Afghanistan, a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said.
Qatar led negotiations between Hamas and Israel aimed at easing the Gaza conflict, working with nations like the US to reach a ceasefire and secure humanitarian pauses and prisoner exchanges. Doha also facilitated de-escalation talks between Pakistan and Afghanistan in October after the neighbors engaged in fierce border clashes. This elevated the Gulf nation to the status of a crisis mediator of the region on the international stage.
Sharif was speaking to Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on the occasion of the Gulf country’s National Day. The Pakistani premier congratulated the Qatari ruler and wished the country continued peace, progress and prosperity.
“During the call, the Prime Minister also lauded Qatar’s valuable role in efforts to bring peace in Gaza,” the PMO said.
“He expressed his deep appreciation for Qatar’s facilitation of talks aimed at easing tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan.”
Pakistan has sought closer ties with Qatar in recent months. Sharif visited Doha in a show of solidarity after Israel’s airstrikes on the country in September, while Qatar publicly supported Pakistan during a brief military conflict with India in May, which Islamabad has highlighted as evidence of a deepening two-way partnership.
“He reaffirmed Pakistan’s abiding commitment to further strengthening of the longstanding and multifaceted bilateral partnership between the two brotherly countries,” the PMO said.
Sharif invited the Qatari emir to visit Pakistan “at a mutually convenient date,” the PMO said.
Al Thani thanked Sharif for the National Day greetings and expressed his “strong commitment” to further strengthen ties between the two nations, Sharif’s office said.
