ISLAMABAD — Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif stressed that his country will respond strongly against any aggression on the Kingdom's security and sovereignty. “Pakistan can not remain a bystander against efforts to destabilize the Kingdom,” a statement issued by the Pakistani Foreign Ministry said, adding that the Pakistani prime minister discussed with the Saudi leadership bilateral relations and ways of enhancing the existing cooperation between the two countries in the fields of defense, security and exchange of intelligence information. “Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif reiterated that any aggression against the Kingdom's territorial integrity will evoke a strong response from Pakistan. He stressed that the sovereignty and security of the Kingdom is a policy imperative for Pakistan,” the statement added. “The Pakistan prime minister confirmed that combating terrorism in the Middle East is not only the responsibility of the Kingdom but that of the entire international community and regional countries. He expressed concern at the increasing danger of terrorism to peace and stability in the Middle East,” the statement added. “Pakistan condemned the violent overthrow of the legitimate government of Yemen by the Houthis and was deeply perturbed on external support. Pakistan extended its support to the political objectives of the coalition led by the Kingdom to restore the legitimate government in Yemen.” Nawaz Sharif pointed out that his country expressed readiness to cooperate in delivering humanitarian assistance to the people of Yemen, the statement highlighted. — SPA
