Pakistan delegation holds talks with Saudi high-ups on Yemen

RIYADH: A Pakistani delegation led by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif late on Tuesday held meetings with high-ranked Saudi officials including Defence Minister Prince Mohammad bin Salman Al-Saud to discuss prevailing situation in Yemen.

Sources told Geo News that the developing situation in Middle East also came under discussion at the delegation’s meetings with Saudi Arabia’s vice defence minister and chiefs of the kingdom’s army and air force besides with Defence Minister Prince Mohammad.

The Saudi defence minister also hosted a dinner in honour of the visiting delegation.

Earlier, the high-level delegation was received by Prince Mohammad bin Salman upon its arrival in the Saudi Capital.

The delegation consists of Advisor to Prime Minister on National Security and Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz, Chief of General Staff lt-Gen Ashfaq Nadeem, Deputy Chief of Naval Operations Rear Admiral Kalim Shaukat, Deputy Chief of Air Staff Operations Air Vice Marshall Mujahid Anwar and Director General Military Operations Maj-Gen Amir Riaz besides Defence Minister Asif.

Prior to departure, Khawaja Asif said Pakistan would provide support to Saudi Arabia if the country’s security was threatened. The minister emphasised that Pakistan supported a peaceful resolution and was seeking an end to the conflicts in the Muslim world.

On Monday, a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif also concluded that Pakistan remains firmly committed to supporting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Saudi Arabia 'in accordance with the aspirations of the people of Pakistan'.

It was emphasised during the meeting that Pakistan stands committed to playing a meaningful role in arresting the deteriorating situation in the Middle East.

In the same context, and to facilitate early resolution of the crisis and to promote peace and unity of the Muslim Community, the PM would be contacting the leadership of brotherly countries.

Pakistan will also call upon the United Nations, OIC, and the international community to play a constructive role in finding a political solution to the crisis.

However, the decision to send Pakistani troops to assist Saudi Arabia was not yet confirmed during the meeting.