Any threat to Pakistan’s integrity is unacceptable, Saudi King says

Riyadh: Saudi King Salman Bin Abdul Aziz assured Pakistan Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif on Wednesday that any threat to Pakistan’s integrity would be unacceptable.

According to the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), General Raheel, who is on a two-day official visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), met with King Salman, the crown prince, as well as the Saudi defence minister on Wednesday.

The Saudi authorities said they held Pakistan and the Pakistan Army in high esteem, and Saudi Arabia supports peace and stability in the country. They also appreciated the achievements of Pakistan Army in its offensive against militants in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas, as part of operation Zarb-e-Azb.

“The COAS appreciated the growing counter-terrorism cooperation, intelligence sharing, limiting [the] space of terrorists and extremists in all domains, including choking [the] flow of funding,” the statement said.

Meanwhile, General Raheel reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to the safety and protection of Haramain Sharifain, and the territorial integrity of the Saudi Kingdom.

Along with discussing matters of mutual interest, bilateral defence and security cooperation between the two countries, the dignitaries acknowledged Pakistan and Saudi Arabia were significant players in regional stability with important responsibility towards the Muslim Ummah.

“Pakistan and KSA share great history of cordial relations, deep spirit of brotherhood which is transforming into an enduring partnership,” read the statement.