ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif on Thursday assured Saudi Arabia of all possible cooperation and support in the wake of the Yemen crisis. “Pakistan is willing to extend all support to Saudi Arabia for the protection of its security, integrity and solidarity in the crisis created by rebels in the Middle East,” Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said during his meeting with King Salman bin Abdul Aziz and the royal leadership of the kingdom in Riyadh. The prime minister also had a maiden meeting with Yemeni President Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi, who is in exile and staying in Riyadh. Both the significant meetings took place in the Al-Ouja Palace. The prime minister arrived in Saudi Arabia with a high-powered delegation comprising Minister for Defence Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Raheel Sharif, DG ISI Lieutenant General Rizwan Akhtar Malik, Director General Military Operations (DGMO) GHQ Major General Aamer Riaz, DG ISPR Major General Asim Saleem Bajwa, Additional Secretary to the PM (ASPM) Fawad Hasan Fawad, Special Assistant to the PM (SAPM) on Foreign Affairs Syed Tariq Fatemi, Foreign Secretary Aizaz Ahmad Chaduhry and others. The prime minister, who is now returning home, had eight separate meetings during his 10-hour stay in the Saudi capital. He is likely return to the federal capital in the wee hours of Friday. Saudi official wire service stated that King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud received Nawaz Sharif and his delegation. At the outset of the reception, the Saudi king briefed prime minister on the contents of the palace of historical pictures and ancient heritage pieces. He held a luncheon banquet in honor of the Pakistani delegation.The reception and the banquet were attended by Prince Saud Al-Faisal, Minister of Foreign Affairs; Crown Prince Muqrin bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Deputy Premier; Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Riyadh Region; a number of princes; ministers; officials. The sources of Pakistan’s delegation said that Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif met King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Muqrin bin Abdulaziz. During the meeting at the King’s Palace, the leadership of both the countries discussed the situation arising out of Yemen issue and matters of the mutual interest. The two sides also held delegation-level talks. Deputy Crown Prince and Minister for Interior of the Kingdom Prince Mohammad bin Nayef Al-Saud and Prince Muhammad bin Salman, Defence Minister of the Kingdom also met the prime minister separately. Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif left Thursday on a one-day official visit of Saudi Arabia. It was stated by the PM House that evolving situation in Yemen would come under discussion during the meetings. The prime minister was received by Prince Mohammad bin Nayef Al-Saud, Deputy Crown Prince and Minister for Interior and Prince Mohammad bin Salman Al-Saud, Minister for Defence at the airport. Guard of honour was presented to the prime minister on his arrival. Earlier onboard special plane, the prime minister chaired a meeting on Yemen situation.
