Islamabad: During his visit to Saudi Arabia, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif underscored that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is a “policy imperative for Pakistan,” an official statement Friday said.
“Pakistan could not remain a bystander against efforts to destabilise the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” the prime minister told the Saudi leadership and reiterated that any aggression against the kingdom’s territorial integrity will evoke a strong response from Pakistan.
According to the statement issued by the foreign affairs ministry a day after Thursday’s visit, Pakistan condemned the violent overthrow of the legitimate government of Yemen by the Al Houthis. Top civil and military officials including the army chief had accompanied the prime minister on the important visit.
“Pakistan and Saudi Arabia agreed that this alarming and unacceptable trend will destabilise Middle East and encourage militants everywhere to challenge the state authority with violence.
“It is, therefore, not only the responsibility of the coalition led by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to defeat the trend but that of the entire international community,” the statement said.
Pakistan extended its support to the political objectives of the coalition led by Saudi Arabia to “restore unconditionally the legitimate government in Yemen and withdrawal of Al Houthis from the territories seized by them including the capital Sana’a.”
It also offered to cooperate in delivering humanitarian assistance to the people of Yemen.
Pakistan expressed its willingness to play a positive role in promoting a peaceful resolution of the ongoing political crisis in Yemen and render its support for implementation of UN Resolution 2216, the official statement said.
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia agreed to “further expand the existing defence, security and intelligence cooperation.”
Both sides reiterated their condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and reaffirmed their desire to strengthen cooperation on this issue.
The Saudi side acknowledged “tremendous sacrifices made by Pakistan while combating terrorism and appreciated Pakistan’s contribution in making the region in particular and world at large a safer and a better place,” the statement said.
King Salman Bin Abdul Aziz and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif expressed satisfaction at the discussions held during the meeting and reiterated their commitment to further enhance bilateral relations, the statement added.
Sharif reiterated his invitation to King Salman to visit Pakistan at his earliest convenience.
