Sharif urges new era of strategic relationship with S.Arabia

Pakistan today pitched for a new era of strategic relationship and defence cooperation with Saudi Arabia.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said the two sides need to start a new era of strategic relationship to further broaden and deepen the existing cordial bilateral relations.
He made the remarks while meeting Saudi Deputy Defence Minister Prince Suleman Bin Sultan, who called on the Prime Minister at PM House here.
The meeting was also attended by Defence Minister Khwaja Asif and Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Abdul Aziz Abdullah Al-Ghadeer.
Prime Minister said that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia enjoy very cordial and brotherly relations based on historic bonds, mutual trust and understanding.

"In view of current challenges, there is a need to further strengthen defence cooperation between the two countries and a new era of strategic relationship need to start in order to further broaden and deepen the existing cordial bilateral relations," he said.

While discussing the regional situation, the Prime Minister said that "Pakistan reiterates its keen support for the peace process in Afghanistan and believes that a peaceful and stable Afghanistan is in regional interest."
Sharif appreciated the Saudi's role in implementation of the UN Global Counter Terrorism Strategy, an official statement here said.
"Pakistan remains committed to fighting terrorism in all its forms. We have suffered enormous human and financial losses in the fight against terrorism. However, these losses have not dented our resolve to fight this menace," he said.

Pakistan supports all efforts aimed at strengthening unity among the Islamic countries, he added.