https://arab.news/2hbb9
- General Asim Munir is currently visiting Saudi Arabia where he met Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah
- The meeting focused on wide ranging issues, including regional security and bilateral defense cooperation
ISLAMABAD: Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman praised Saudi Arabia’s strong relations with Pakistan during a meeting with Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir, according to a statement circulated by the military’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), on Wednesday, adding he also assured of the kingdom’s continued support to Pakistan in the future.
Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have historically maintained close and cordial relations, though both nations have sought to deepen these ties in recent years by setting up the Saudi-Pakistan Supreme Coordination Council in May 2021 to enhance collaboration across various sectors and provide strategic direction to their ties.
The two countries also have long-standing defense ties, characterized by military cooperation, joint exercises and defense agreements. The strategic and security collaborations between them aims at addressing mutual concerns, particularly in the field of counterterrorism and enhancing regional security.
Pakistan’s army chief is currently on an official visit to the kingdom where, according to the Saudi Press Agency, he met the crown prince in Jeddah.
“HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman highlighted that KSA and Pakistan have historic brotherly and strong relations, and both countries have always stood up for each other,” the ISPR said in the statement. “The Crown Prince also expressed desire to further strengthen the bilateral ties and that KSA will always standby with Pakistan in future as well.”
The statement added the meeting focused on wide ranging issues of mutual interest, including regional peace and security and bilateral defense cooperation.
Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman, Chief of General Staff of Saudi Armed Forces General Fayyadh bin Hamed Al-Ruwaili and other officials were also present at the occasion.
Apart from their strong bilateral defense ties, Saudi Arabia has significantly aided Pakistan in navigating its financial challenges in recent years by providing substantial economic support, including deposits into Pakistan’s central bank, deferred payment facilities for oil imports and direct financial aid.
These measures have alleviated some of the pressure from Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves and contributed to its fiscal stability during a critical economic period.