Saudi FM visits Pakistan for cooperation on "common challenges"

Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Adel Bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir said Thursday that he had discussed "common challenges" with Pakistani side during his one-day visit to Pakistan.

The Saudi foreign minister met Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Army Chief General Raheel Sharif and held talks with Pakistan's Foreign Affairs Adviser Sartaj Aziz.

The Saudi foreign minister told media in Islamabad that both sides explored options to further "deepen strategic partnership and boost cooperation in every field."

Shortly after arrival, the Saudi foreign minister held a meeting with General Raheel Sharif in Rawalpindi and "discussed regional security situation," the military said.

The Saudi foreign minister lauded Pakistan's phenomenal success in fight against terrorism and efforts towards regional stability, a statement from the army's Inter-Services Public Relations said.

He also called on the Pakistani prime minister and exchanged views on regional security and matters of mutual interest, the PM office said.

The Saudi foreign minister wrapped up his visit to Pakistan later in the day.

The visit came at a critical time amid the ongoing Saudi-Iran tensions that led to the breaking of diplomatic ties between the two nations.

Pakistan has expressed concern at the tensions, pressing both countries to resolve their differences peacefully. Endit