ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday held a “restricted meeting” with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah and assured the Kingdom of Pakistan’s “full solidarity and support,” Sharif’s office said, amid an ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Sharif’s brief visit to the Kingdom came at a time of increased volatility in the region, following United States-Israeli strikes on Iran and Tehran’s counterattacks on US bases in several Gulf countries as well as on commercial and oil infrastructure, raising fears of a wider war.
The Pakistani premier, who was accompanied by Deputy PM Ishaq Dar and Chief of Defense Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir, was received at King Abdulaziz International Airport by the Deputy Governor of Makkah Region Prince Saud bin Mishaal and other officials, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
During their meeting, Sharif and the Saudi crown prince held an in-depth exchange of views on the recent developments in the region and agreed to work together for regional peace and stability, according to the Pakistan PM’s office.
“The Prime Minister assured His Royal Highness that Pakistan would always stand firmly with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and strive for their mutual desire for peace in the region,” Sharif’s office said.
