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Pakistani PM voices support for Saudi-led coalition of Islamic countries to fight terrorism, extremism

Xinhua, January 11, 2016 Adjust font size:

Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Sunday voiced support for the recently launched Saudi Arabia-led anti-terror alliance of Islamic nations in his meeting with visiting Saudi Defence Minister Prince Mohammad bin Salman Al Saud.

Prince Mohammed bin Salman arrived in Pakistan for a visit on Sunday to push for Pakistan's formal support for the alliance of over 30 Islamic countries.

Pakistani officials had earlier stated that the country will make a decision on the coalition after getting more details.

"The prime minister welcomed the Saudi initiative to establish a coalition of like-minded Islamic countries to counter terrorism and militancy and informed the deputy crown prince that Pakistan supports efforts to counter terrorism and extremism," the PM office said in a statement after the meeting.

The two agreed to further strengthen the bilateral relations between the two countries and deepen cooperation in all fields, including defence security, fight against terrorism, trade and investment and manpower requirements of the Kingdom, the statement said.

It was also agreed that the two countries would cooperate in developing an effective counter narrative to defeat the extremist mindset.

"The visit provided a welcome opportunity to both sides to reaffirm their shared resolve to deepen bilateral cooperation and work together to address the challenge of terrorism which is the common enemy for the both,"the statement said.

The Pakistani prime minister said that the people of Pakistan would always stand with the people of Saudi Arabia against any threat to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Kingdom.

Shortly after his arrival, the Saudi defence minister met Pakistan Army Chief General Raheel Sharif who "reasserted that any threat to Saudi Arabia's territorial integrity would evoke a strong response from Pakistan".

Matters related to regional security and defence cooperation were discussed during the meeting, an army statement said.

General Raheel Sharif said Pakistan attaches great importance to the security of Saudi Arabia and other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Endit