By News Desk
RIYADH: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday met Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Wednesday, with both leaders agreeing to further strengthen Pakistan-Saudi relations and expand bilateral cooperation.
During the meeting at Al-Yamama Palace in Riyadh, PM Shehbaz reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for Saudi Arabia on the Palestine issue.
A statement issued by the PM Office Media Wing said that discussions focused on tensions in the Middle East, the Palestinian issue, and other key matters.
During the meeting, both leaders strongly condemned the recent Israeli attack in Doha.
Speaking on the occasion, the Saudi crown prince said the resolution of the Palestine issue is vital for peace in the Middle East.
Upon his arrival at the Royal Palace, the prime minister was received with Saudi royal protocol and welcomed by horse-mounted guards. A guard of honour was presented to the prime minister by the contingents of the Saudi Armed Forces.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb were among the attendees of the meeting.
The premier received a warm welcome with an aerial escort of Saudi F-15 jets as his plane entered Saudi airspace.
Upon his arrival at the King Khalid International Airport, PM Shehbaz was received by the deputy governor of Riyadh.
Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf bin Saeed Al-Maliki and Pakistan’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Ahmad Farooq were also present at the airport.
The premier was accorded a 21-gun salute, while a smartly turned-out contingent of Saudi forces presented a guard of honour to the visiting dignitary.
Speaking onboard his special flight, PM Shehbaz expressed gratitude to Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman and the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdul Aziz, for the gracious aerial welcome extended by the Royal Saudi Air Force.
