Pakistan Says It Will Respond To Any Threat To Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia’s defence minister and deputy crown prince, Mohammad bin Salman, is arriving Islamabad on Sunday (Tomorrow), Radio Pakistan reported.

The Saudi Minister will meet with Pakistan’s political and military leadership including Prime Minister (PM) Nawaz Sharif and Minister for Defence Khawaja Asif. The Prime Minister said Pakistan would stand by Saudi Arabia if any threat arises to its territorial integrity.

In a January 10 statement, Pakistani army chief Gen. Raheel Sharif pledged Pakistan’s support for Saudi amid the kingdom’s escalated tensions with Teheran over the execution of Shi’ite cleric Nimr al-Nimr that led to Iranians attacking the Saudi embassy and consulate in Iran.

The deputy crown prince called on the COAS at the General Headquarters Sunday afternoon.

Reciprocating Pakistan’s good will, Saudi minister said the kingdom attaches great importance to Pakistan and its armed forces and appreciates their successes in the war against terrorism.

Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister had also visited Pakistan only two days ago.

He welcomed the Deputy Crown Prince and said that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Custodian of the Holy Mosques were held in high esteem by the people of Pakistan.

“COAS said Pakistan enjoys close and brotherly relations with Saudi Arabia and other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and attaches great importance to their security”.

The Pakistani government remained noncommittal to joining the 34-country coalition.

The official made it clear that Pakistan will not become part of any action that will be against any specific country.

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.