Defence Minister of Saudi Arabia, Prince Khalid bin Salman Al Saud, is arriving today (Friday) in Islamabad ahead of the top-level visit of his country’s leadership to Pakistan.
During the visit, Prince Khalid bin Salman will hold discussions with the Pakistani defence authorities, including Minister for Defence Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) Gen Sahir Shamshad Mirza, Army Chief Gen AsimMunir and others.
The Saudi Defence Minister is also
expected to call on President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. According to the sources, the Saudi Defence Minister’s visit demonstrates the Kingdom’s long-term trust and warm and cordial relations with Pakistan and a perennial desire for strengthening of these ties.
Soon after his visit, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will also visit Saudi Arabia to meet the Saudi leadership and to perform Umrah as per the tradition. His visit will be reciprocated by the Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud next month, the sources further said.
His Royal Highness’ visit to Pakistan will boost trade and energy and great expectations are attached to his visit in Pakistan as Pakistan is facing enormous financial and economic challenges.
Saudi Arabia has always been supportive whenever Pakistan faced financial crises and the Pakistan government is always grateful to the brotherly country for that generosity, said the sources.
A day earlier on March 20, Army Chief Gen AsimMunir also visited Saudi Arabia and discussed a wide range of issues of mutual interest, including regional peace and security, bilateral defence& security cooperation.
