“This meeting was followed by wide-ranging talks with Gen. Hussein Al-Qubail chief of the general staff of Saudi Arabia,” said Pakistani Ambassador Muhammad Naeem Khan.
“The two sides expressed their desire to further broaden cooperation to fight the menace of terrorism and extremism bilaterally as well as globally,” Khan said, adding Prince Mohammad appreciated the efforts of the Pakistan army and those on deputation serving in the Kingdom for their contributions in promoting Saudi-Pak defense ties.
The prince also lauded the efforts of Islamabad toward the capacity building of Saudi security forces, he added.
Prince Mohammad, he said, had assured Gen. Kayani of the Saudi government’s assistance and cooperation in all required areas. He said Pakistan maintains close military ties with the Kingdom.
“As two of the world’s leading Islamic countries, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have sought to develop extensive strategic relations,” said the envoy.
“The Pakistani Army chief held wide-ranging talks with other top Saudi defense officials and serving military personnel yesterday, including Al-Qubail ,” he added.
Khan said “The two sides reviewed the status of defense cooperation and vowed to further enhance it in certain areas.”
“A comprehensive training program for defense personnel and a plan to hold more joint defense exercises will form the essential components of an expanded joint defense initiative to be promoted by Riyadh and Islamabad,” said the envoy.
He pointed out certain specific areas of training had been identified by the two sides.
“Both sides expressed satisfaction over the existing level of cooperation in this field,” said the envoy, adding the army chief will wrap up his visit to the Kingdom after performing Umrah on Thursday. The envoy, who hosted a dinner reception in honor of Gen. Kayani here lasty night, said Saudi Arabia and Pakistan had forged closer ties in all sectors including defense.
