ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Saudi Arabia on Sunday agreed to cooperate towards developing an effective counter-narrative to defeat the extremist mindset.
According to a statement issued here at PM Secretariat, the Deputy Crown Prince and Defence Minister of KSA, Prince Mohammad bin Salman al Saud called on Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif here this evening.
Earlier, the PM welcomed the Deputy Crown Prince and stated that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Custodian of the Holy Mosques were held in high esteem by the people of Pakistan.
The Prime Minister affirmed that the people of Pakistan are bonded with the people of KSA through historical, cultural and Islamic ties of brotherhood.
He added that the people of Pakistan would always stand with the people of Saudi Arabia, against any threat to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Kingdom.
The Prime Minister welcomed the Saudi initiative to establish a coalition of like-minded Islamic countries to counter terrorism and militancy and informed the Deputy Crown Prince that Pakistan supports efforts to counter terrorism and extremism.
The two leaders agreed to further strengthen the bilateral relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia and deepen the cooperation in all fields, including defence security, fight against terrorism, trade and investment and manpower requirements of the Kingdom.
The Deputy Crown Prince appreciated the valiant efforts waged by the security and law enforcement authorities to root out terrorism from Pakistan, particularly through the military campaign Zarb-e-Azb.
He was briefed on the progress in implementing National Action Plan to eliminate extremism and terrorism.
The statement further said that the visit provided a welcome opportunity to both sides to reaffirm their shared resolve to deepen bilateral cooperation and work together to address the challenge of terrorism which is common enemy for both.
The Prime Minister recalled that Pakistan has historically pursued the policy of promoting brotherhood among member states of OIC.
Pakistan has also always expressed its readiness to offer its good offices to brotherly Muslim countries, for resolution of their differences through peaceful dialogue and reconciliation.
Later, the Deputy Crown Prince and Defence Minister of KSA, Prince Mohammad bin Salman al Saud was seen off by Advisor to PM for Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz and other dignitaries as he returned to his home country after completing his visit.