Royal embrace

The reception Prime Minister Mian Nawaz Sharif received in Riyadh on his arrival in the Saudi capital on Wednesday to begin a three-day visit was proof of the close ties the two nations enjoy. It is obvious that both sides are eager to weave together a still tighter net of cooperation and coordination. The PM, who travelled with a high-level delegation which included Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif, was greeted in Riyadh by King Salman bin Abdulaziz himself, alongside key aides which included the Crown Prince, other members of the ruling family and all significant members of government. This is the first meeting between King Salman and Prime Minister Sharif, who is on his first visit to the KSA since being sworn in as PM for his third term – and it went well. For the Sharifs in particular, the Saudis have proved to be useful allies in the past as well. The commonly shared concern over extremism and the militancy it breeds was discussed during talks between the two sides. Both agreed to work together to combat it.
This could prove to be a very useful alliance. Saudi Arabia possesses both the money and the influence needed to tackle militant groups, including those operating in Pakistan, and we hope this will indeed prove to be the case. Developments in the Middle East, including the rise of the Islamic State also came under discussion with both countries stating their desire to stop terrorism of the kind unleashed by IS. Most importantly for Pakistan, during talks between the two leaders and also those which took place between other officials, Riyadh pledged to stand by its ally in South Asia. This of course is important, given that Islamabad needs friends who can help it, both in terms of its economic needs and in other spheres. Saudi Arabia of course can do both. Pakistan will then be eager to ensure that its links remain strong. The signals sent out from this visit indicate this will happen, with King Salman making sure the right words were said. Nawaz has already expressed appreciation for Arab hospitality. The visit will then help draw Saudi Arabia and Pakistan even closer, and for Islamabad of course there is much to be gained from this at a time when it confronts many challenges.