ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Saturday that Saudi Arabia had played a pivotal role in improving Pakistan’s economic situation during a meeting with the kingdom’s defense minister, Prince Khalid bin Salman, wherein they also discussed the regional peace and security situation.
The Saudi royal arrived in the country earlier in the day to attend the Pakistan Day military parade as a guest of honor and was warmly received by Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif and Army Chief General Asim Munir at the Nur Khan Airbase in Rawalpindi.
The parade was held on the 84th anniversary of Pakistan Day, marked each year to celebrate the adoption of the Lahore Resolution by the Muslim League, which called for the creation of an independent state for the Muslims of India on March 23, 1940.
The Saudi defense minister witnessed the performance of Pakistan’s military personnel at the Parade Avenue in the federal capital, Islamabad, along with a display of the country’s air defense system and nuclear-capable missiles.
Saudi Arabia’s minister of defense, Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud, and Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif watch Pakistan Day military parade in Islamabad on March 23, 2024. (Photo courtesy: President Office)
According to an official statement, he later met the prime minister to discuss a wide range of issues.
“The meeting exchanged views on regional peace and security,” said the statement. “Discussion also took place on increasing cooperation in the defense and security sectors between the two countries.”
The prime minister said Pakistan and Saudi Arabia had deep-rooted relations that were growing stronger with a passage of time.
“Saudi Arabia has stood by Pakistan on every front,” he was quoted as saying in the statement. “During my previous term as prime minister, Saudi Arabia played a key role in improving Pakistan’s economic situation.”
Saudi Arabia’s minister of defense, Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud, meets Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir during his day-long visit to attend Pakistan Day parade in Islamabad on March 23, 2024. (Photo courtesy: ISPR)
Sharif told the Saudi defense minister his government was waiting for the visit of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to Pakistan.
Prince Khalid bin Salman thanked the prime minister for inviting him as the guest of honor to the Pakistan Day parade, saying he got to witness the excellent capabilities of the Pakistani armed forces at the event.
He also mentioned the recent visit of Pakistan’s army chief to the kingdom this month, saying it would further boost the defense relations between the two countries.
The Saudi minister later left for Saudi Arabia after his day-long visit to Pakistan.
