Saudi Arabia’s Defense Minister, Prince Khalid bin Salman, along with his accompanying delegation, arrived today in the Pakistani capital, Islamabad, for an official visit. Upon his arrival at Islamabad’s Nur Khan Air Base, the Saudi Defense Minister was received by Pakistan’s Defense Minister, Khawaja Muhammad Asif, along with several senior officials.
During the visit, Prince Khalid bin Salman is set to hold several meetings to review bilateral relations between the two countries. Discussions will also cover updates on regional and international issues of mutual interest.
The two countries also have long-standing defense ties, characterized by military cooperation, joint exercises and defense agreements. The strategic and security collaborations between them aims at addressing mutual concerns, particularly in the field of counterterrorism and enhancing regional security.
Pakistan’s army chief is currently on an official visit to the kingdom where, according to the Saudi Press Agency, he met the crown prince in Jeddah.
“HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman highlighted that KSA and Pakistan have historic brotherly and strong relations, and both countries have always stood up for each other,” the ISPR said in the statement. “The Crown Prince also expressed desire to further strengthen the bilateral ties and that KSA will always standby with Pakistan in future as well.”
The statement added the meeting focused on wide ranging issues of mutual interest, including regional peace and security and bilateral defense cooperation.
Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman, Chief of General Staff of Saudi Armed Forces General Fayyadh bin Hamed Al-Ruwaili and other officials were also present at the occasion.
Apart from their strong bilateral defense ties, Saudi Arabia has significantly aided Pakistan in navigating its financial challenges in recent years by providing substantial economic support, including deposits into Pakistan’s central bank, deferred payment facilities for oil imports and direct financial aid.
