Crown Prince Salman, deputy premier and minister of defense, held meetings with top Pakistani leadership in Islamabad on Sunday to strengthen bilateral cooperation in all sectors. The talks also focused on major regional and international issues.

Crown Prince Salman, who began a four-nation tour on Saturday, met with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif and other officials in Islamabad.

Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, speaker of the National Assembly expressed appreciation of the Kingdom’s support to Pakistan in times of natural calamities and crises.

The speaker said regular exchange of high-level visits would further strengthen relations between the two countries.

Sadiq said the two countries were intertwined both religiously and culturally and that these ties have gained strength due to the commitment of the ruling entities on both sides.

The crown prince described bilateral relations as historic and said that existing ties between the two countries would be further strengthened thanks to Saudi Arabia’s desire for a prosperous, stable and economically vibrant Pakistan.

Crown Prince Salman also met with Foreign Minister Sartaj Aziz and discussed prospects of cooperation between the two countries.

“We thank him for undertaking such an important visit at a pivotal time,” Asif said, reiterating Saudi Arabia’s key role across the Muslim world.

Prince Salman also met with Saudi chief editors and journalists accompanying his delegation during his visit. He briefed counterparts on the Kingdom’s achievements since its foundation by the late King Abdulaziz and its progress and devel- opment in the economic, urban, educational and health fields under the leadership of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah.

Prince Salman stressed the pre- dominant role played by the Kingdom both at the regional and international levels. He commended the role played by the Saudi media in portraying a clear and genuine image of the Kingdom’s progress and development.

Crown Prince Salman also held talks with Arab ambassadors based in Islamabad. Greetings and cordial talks were exchanged with diplomats during the meeting.

The meeting was attended by Prince Mohammed bin Salman, chief of the Crown Prince’s court and special adviser, Musaed Al-Aiban, the minister of state and Cabinet member, Culture and Information Minister Abdul Aziz Khoja, Mohammed Al-Jasser, minister of Economy and Planning, Commerce and Industry Minister Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, Nizar Madani, minis- ter of State for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Chief of General Staff, Lt. Gen. Abdulrahman Al-Binayan, and Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan, Abdulaziz Al-Ghadeer.