ISLAMABAD: The Saudi Deputy Minister of Defense, Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, called on Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday to discuss bilateral and regional affairs, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).
During the meeting, “Prime Minister Imran Khan appreciated the growing economic ties between the two countries and the Saudi commitment for investment in diverse sectors,” the handout read.
The premier also recalled the “historic visit of Prince Mohammad bin Salman to Pakistan in 2019, and Ƶ’s strong economic support for Pakistan particularly at the time of economic challenges.”
The Prime Minister highlighted the human rights violations and worsening situation in Indian-administered Kashmir. “He stressed the importance of the international community, including the Muslim world, playing its role in preventing the ongoing atrocities and promoting a peaceful solution of the Jammu & Kashmir dispute. In this regard, Ƶ’s role as an important OIC member was also discussed,” the statement read.
He further said that “the Indian Government was engaged in systematic efforts to discriminate against, marginalize and disenfranchise minorities, particularly Muslims” while highlighting India’s controversial Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the recent killings of Muslims in New.
The Saudi Deputy Minister of Defense, for his part, “conveyed cordial greetings of the Saudi leadership to Prime Minister Imran Khan and their deep appreciation for the role being played by Pakistan for regional peace and stability including in the Middle East. “He reaffirmed that Ƶ and Pakistan, as long-standing partners, would always stand by each other.”
Later in the day, the visiting official called on Pakistan army chief, General Qamar Javed Bajwa, at the General Head Quarters was presented Guard of Honour.
He was accompanied by a high-level delegation including General Fayiadh bin Hamed bin Raged Al-rowaily, Chief of General Staff (CGS), KSA and Major General (Engineer), Talal Abdullah Alotaibi, Military Adviser to HRH Minister of Defense KSA, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said.
According to a statement issued by the military’s media wing, “Views were exchanged on issues of mutual interest including defense and security cooperation, measures to further enhance bilateral defense collaboration including Training Exchange Program and overall regional security situation including the situation in IOJ& K [Indian occupied Jammu & Kashmir].”
The visiting dignitary “acknowledged the professionalism of the Pakistan Army and thanked for the assistance provided, especially toward the training of Royal Saudi Armed Forces” through bilateral training cooperation.
“HRH, Prince Khalid Bin Salman vowed to extend full support to Pakistan’s efforts for peace in the region,” the ISPR said.
