Saudi prince holds extensive talks with civil, military leadership

ISLAMABAD: Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud’s day-long visit to Pakistan and extensive result-oriented discussions with civil and military leadership have infused a new hope for the dwindling economy of Pakistan.

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir visited Riyadh last week and extended an invitation for the visit in the presence of Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Muhammad bin Salman. Prince Khalid is very close to his elder brother.

Saudi Ambassador Nawaf bin Saeed Al Malikiy expressed satisfaction with the visit of Prince Khalid bin Salman Al Saud. He highlighted the role of COAS General Asim Munir in making the visit a success.

Diplomatic sources told The News on Saturday the royal leadership scheduled the visit whose invitation was recently given. The Saudi leadership made the trip possible while a Saudi investment delegation was already present here for talks.

The diplomatic sources said both the countries had agreed to further enhance bilateral and defence cooperation. The COAS bid farewell to Prince Khalid bin Salman when he embarked on his special plane for return at the Nur Khan air base in Chaklala.

Earlier, President Asif Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and COAS General Asim Munir met the dignitary during his official visit to attend the Pakistan Day celebrations.

“Saudi Arabia and Pakistan share historic and strong brotherly relations; Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have always remained well-wishers of each other,” the Saudi minister said during his meeting with the army chief.

The army chief expressed gratitude to the Saudi minister for visiting Pakistan and reciprocated the sentiments.