Saudi Gazette report

JEDDAH — Saudi Arabia and Pakistan signed on Friday two agreements and two memoranda of understanding to enhance bilateral cooperation in various fields.

The documents were signed during the visit of Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan who arrived here on Friday evening on a three-day official visit heading a high-level delegation.

Both Crown Prince Muhammed Bin Salman and Pakistani PM Imran Khan witnessed the signing of the agreements inked by the relevant ministers from both sides.

Both the countries also signed an agreement to set up Supreme Coordination Council to strengthen the bilateral cooperation in multiple fields.

Earlier, the Pakistani premier was received by Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman at the Royal Court at Al-Salam Palace in Jeddah. Both leaders held a round of talks to strengthen bilateral relations.

During the meeting, they affirmed the depth of relations between the two countries and underscored the importance of expanding and intensifying aspects of bilateral cooperation and coordination and enhancing them in various fields. Also, the two sides exchanged views on issues of common interest to the two countries at the regional and international arenas, in a way that contributes to supporting and enhancing security and stability.

For his part, the Pakistani premier praised the leading role Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman is playing in promoting Islamic unity, and the positive role of Saudi Arabia in resolving the issues facing the Islamic nation and its endeavors for regional and international peace and security.

The two sides discussed ways to enhance and strengthen economic and trade relations between the two countries through exploring areas of investment and opportunities in light of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 and the priorities of development in Pakistan. They confirmed their satisfaction with the firmness of bilateral military and security relations, and agreed on further cooperation to achieve common goals between the two countries.

The two sides stressed the need for concerted efforts of the Islamic world to confront extremism and violence and reject sectarianism, and strive to achieve international peace and security. They also underscored the importance of continuing joint efforts to combat the phenomenon of terrorism which is not related to any religion, race or color, and confront all its forms and images, whatever its source.

The two sides confirmed full support for all legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, topped by the right to self-determination and the establishment of their independent state in 1967 parallel with East Jerusalem as its capital, according to the contents of the Arab Peace Initiative and relevant UN resolutions.

The two sides affirmed their support for political solutions in Syria and Libya, and the UN and its envoys' efforts in this regard.

The two sides affirmed the importance of supporting the efforts aiming to reach a comprehensive political solution to the Yemeni crisis based on the three references of the GCC initiative and its executive mechanism, the outcomes of the comprehensive national dialogue, and the relevant Security Council resolutions, including Resolution 2216.

They denounced the practice of the terrorist groups and militias, including the Houthi militia's attacks by ballistic missiles and drones against vital installations and civilian objects in the territories of Saudi Arabia.

They expressed grave concern about the threat to the security of oil exports and the stability of energy supplies to the world.

In particular, the Pakistani PM praised the initiative of the Kingdom to end the crisis in Yemen, which aims to achieve the security and stability of Yemen for the good and development of the region and its people.

Pakistani prime minister congratulated the Saudi government on its success to organize and hold the G20 summit, citing the positive resolutions coming out of the meetings in all economic, developmental, environmental, health, energy fields.

Pakistan welcomed Saudi Arabia's initiatives of "Saudi Green" and "Middle East Green", launched by Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman, which reflect the leading role of the Kingdom toward common international issues, including combating the climate change crisis, praising its great impact on the region and its inhabitants.

For his part, the Crown Prince welcomed the Pakistani Prime Minister’s initiative "for a Clean and Green Pakistan " as well as the successful initiative "10 billion tree Tsunami".

Pakistan also, praised Saudi Arabia's efforts in successfully organizing last year's Hajj, despite the challenges caused by the coronavirus pandemic, citing the efforts it exerted to serve pilgrims, Umrah performers and visitors.

The meeting was attended by Interior Minister Prince Abdulaziz Bin Saud Bin Naif; Deputy Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman; Foreign Minister Prince Faisal Bin Farhan Bin Abdullah; Minister of State, member of the Cabinet and Adviser of National Security Dr. Musaed bin Mohammed Al-Aiban; Minister of Commerce and Acting Minister of Media Majid Al-Qasabi and Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf bin Saeed Al-Maliki.

On the Pakistani side, the meeting was attended by Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi; Chief of the Army Staff of Pakistan Gen. Qamar Javed Bajwa; Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed; Secretary to the Foreign Minister Amb. Sohail Mahmood; Special Assistant to the Prime Minister for Climate Affairs Amin Aslam; Pakistani ambassador to Saudi Arabia Lt. Gen. Bilal Akbar; Secretary to the Army Chief of Pakistan Major Gen. Mohammad Irfan; and Military Secretary to Pakistani Prime Minister Brig. Mohammad Ahmed.