Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has congratulated the leadership and people of Saudi Arabia on the country’s National Day, reaffirming Pakistan’s support for Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty, security and the protection of Islam’s holiest sites.
In his message, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Saudi Arabia’s development, prosperity and progress were also a source of pride for Pakistan. He highlighted the historical, longstanding and time-tested fraternal relationship between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
According to the prime minister, relations between the two countries are evolving into a stronger and more comprehensive strategic partnership under the leadership of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. He said the partnership was based on a shared commitment to promoting peace and security and strengthening unity among the Muslim Ummah.
Shehbaz Sharif also condemned what he described as recent attacks by the Houthis against Saudi Arabia. He particularly referred to an alleged attempted drone attack targeting the holy city of Makkah and reiterated Pakistan’s strongest condemnation of such attacks.
The prime minister said any threat to the sanctity, dignity and security of the Holy Mosques deeply hurts the sentiments of Muslims around the world. He stressed the importance of protecting the sacred sites and maintaining their security.
Shehbaz Sharif further said that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia had signed a strategic mutual defence agreement and a Makkah joint defence agreement as part of their shared commitment. He described these agreements as an expression of the close strategic and defence cooperation between the two countries.
