Commander-in-chief of the Pakistani army General Raheel Sharif today welcomed the visit of Prince Salman bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Minister of Defense of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, to Pakistan. In a welcoming speech during a dinner party he held in honor of the Saudi deputy minister of defense, Sharif lauded the firm ties binding the Kingdom and Pakistan and paid tribute to the fraternal and amicable relations between the two countries and peoples, particularly those binding the two armed forces of the two countries. He stated that Saudi Arabia was always standing beside Pakistan during tough times, calamities and challenges. The two countries share identical views over issues relating to regional and international peace and security. They also have joint vision towards development, he added. He expressed confidence in the path of strategic relations between the two peoples, including military and diplomatic relations between the two countries in the right direction, noting that they are going to become more strong in the years ahead. He said Pakistan and Saudi Arabia will stand side by side before all challenges that might arise from regional and international changes, noting that confidence, fraternity and friendship characterize the future of relations of the two countries. He sent his greetings to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, wishing him and the Crown Prince continuous health and happiness. For his part, Prince Salman bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz said Pakistan and its people are deeply placed in the heart of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Deputy Premier and Minister of Defense, and Prince Muqren bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Second Deputy Premier, Advisor to and Special Envoy of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the Saudi people. In a speech during the event, he underscored the historic relations between the two countries which stretched over decades of history and that we are seeking to further enhance them in all fields, noting that the Kingdom is always standing beside its brothers in Pakistan. The event was attended by Saudi ambassador to Pakistan Abdulaziz bin Ibrahim Al-Ghadir and Pakistani senior military officials.
