ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: A Pakistani delegation led by the Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif briefed a high-level meeting in Islamabad on Thursday about the outcome of discussions it had with the Saudi leadership during its recent visit to Saudi Arabia.
The meeting was held under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to discuss the latest developments pertaining to the ongoing crisis in Yemen.
It was attended by the Punjab chief minister, the prime minister’s advisor on national security and foreign affairs Sartaj Aziz, the special assistant to the prime minister on foreign affairs Tariq Fatemi, the chairman joint chief of staff committee General Rashid Mehmood, the foreign secretary Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry and the three service chiefs of Army, Air force and Naval Staff.
The meeting took place shortly after Shahbaz Sharif-led delegation which also included Sartaj Aziz and Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry returned to Islamabad after meeting with the Saudi leadership including the deputy crown prince Prince Muhammad bin Nayef and the foreign minister of Saudi Arabia Prince Saud Al-Faisal in Kingdom territory.
The delegation apprised the meeting that it reiterated to the Saudi leaders unequivocal support of the government and people of Pakistan to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Saudi Arabia while reaffirming that the people of Pakistan stand ever-ready to protect Harmain Al-Sharifain and the people of Saudi Arabia.
The delegation held detailed discussions with the Saudi leadership on the situation in Yemen and condemned the violent overthrow of the legitimate government of President Hadi by the Houthis.
The meeting was informed that Saudi leaders reciprocated the warmth of relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia and reaffirmed the special bond of friendship between the two countries.
The high-level meeting expressed satisfaction on the efforts being made by leadership, government and people of Pakistan to stand shoulder to shoulder with the Saudi brothers, and play a constructive role for a peaceful resolution of the crisis in Yemen.
It also expressed the hope that the Yemen crisis will be solved peacefully.
