Gen Bajwa reiterates Pakistan's commitment to defence of Saudi Arabia

RAWALPINDI: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Wednesday reiterated that Pakistan is committed to the defense of the Haramain Sharifain as well as safeguarding the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, ARY News reported.

According to Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), the military’s media wing, Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Defence Minister Mohammad Bin Abdullah Al-Aysh met the army chief to discuss the matters of bilateral interest, including the broader regional security situation.

The army chief assured the Saudi dignitary that Pakistan attaches great importance to its strategic relationship with the KSA.

The ISPR quoted Gen Bajwa as saying, “Pakistan holds its defence ties with Saudi Arabia in the highest esteem.”

The Saudi deputy defence minister lauded Pakistan’s efforts, successes, and sacrifices in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism. He also reaffirmed the kingdom’s full support to Pakistan’s positions on all matters.

In 2015, Saudi Arabia had announced the formation of the coalition to combat terrorism and Pakistan was made a member of the coalition. Riyadh and its Gulf Arab neighbours have been locked in warfare with Iran-allied rebels in neighbouring Yemen.

Soon after General Sharif completed his term last year, it was reported in December that he would lead the Islamic Military Alliance, which was formed by the Saudis in 2015 to fight terrorism, especially the Islamic State and other militant groups.