Pakistan stands firmly with Saudi Arabia, PM tells Saudi FM

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed on Sunday Pakistan’s “unwavering solidarity and support” for Saudi Arabia, praising the kingdom’s restraint during recent regional tensions, according to an official statement.

The remarks came during a meeting with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud at the Prime Minister House in Islamabad, the Prime Minister’s Office media wing said.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, National Security Adviser Lt. Gen. Muhammad Asim Malik, and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Fatemi attended the meeting.

The prime minister warmly welcomed the Saudi foreign minister and conveyed his best wishes for King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the statement said.

Sharif reiterated Pakistan’s “complete and unwavering support” for Saudi Arabia and appreciated what he described as the kingdom’s “exceptional restraint” during the ongoing crisis. He assured the Saudi delegation that Pakistan would continue to stand firmly alongside Saudi Arabia.

The prime minister also referred to his recent interactions with the Saudi crown prince, including a meeting in Jeddah on March 12. He briefed the visiting minister on Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalating tensions and facilitating dialogue between the United States and Iran, according to the statement.

Sharif highlighted what he described as Saudi Arabia’s leadership role in the Muslim world and emphasized the need for unity among Islamic countries during the current period.

Prince Faisal thanked the prime minister and shared Saudi Arabia’s perspective on the regional situation, the statement said. Both sides agreed to maintain close coordination and continue joint efforts to promote peace and stability in the region.

In a separate development, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty also arrived at the Prime Minister House for meetings with Sharif as part of diplomatic engagements focused on peace efforts in the Middle East.

The two visiting ministers were received by Fatemi upon arrival. A meeting between the prime minister and the foreign ministers of Turkey and Egypt began in what the statement described as a cordial atmosphere.

Dar and Malik also attended that meeting, which focused on regional developments and efforts to promote peace and stability in the Middle East.