COAS meets Saudi king, vows to protect Harmain Sharifain

General Bajwa, Shah Salman acknowledge Pak-Saudi responsibility towards regional stability, entire Ummah; army chief also calls on kingdom’s defence minister, military chief

RIYADH: Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa called on Saudi King Salman bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud on Sunday, says an ISPR press release.

The COAS reiterated Pakistan's commitment to the security and protection of the two Holy Mosques (Harmain Sharifain) and also the territorial integrity of the kingdom.

The Saudi king and the COAS agreed that both the countries share great history of cordial relations and deep spirit of brotherhood, which has transformed into an enduring partnership. 

It was also acknowledged that both Pakistan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are vital players in regional stability “with significant responsibility towards the entire Muslim Ummah”.

Both leaders re-emphasised the need to continue working to eliminate the menace of terrorism and reinforce the mechanism to roll back extremism with even greater vigour. The crown prince and the foreign minister were also present in the meeting.

The army chief, who is on an official visit to Saudi Arabia, held a series of meetings on Sunday. General Bajwa also held a meeting with Deputy Crown Prince and the Defence Minister Muhammad bin Salman to discuss matters related to mutual interests and bilateral security cooperation. The Saudi defence minister reassured the army chief that the kingdom supports peace and stability in Pakistan in every way.

Later, General Qamar Javed Bajwa met Chief of General Staff of Saudi Forces Gen Abdul Rehman bin Saleh Al Bunyan to discuss military-to-military relations, defence cooperation and regional security situation. Both leaders agreed to boost the military cooperation and collaboration.