Saudi delegation visits Pakistan to bolster military ties, discuss defense and Gaza cease-fire

• Published date: 20 April 2024
• Author: ARSHAD MEHMOUD/THE MEDIA LINE
• Publication title: Jerusalem Post, The: Web Edition Articles (Israel)

A Pakistani Defense Ministry statement stated, "Otaibi will engage with the military leadership and other pertinent authorities to conclude cooperation agreements in defense-related domains."

Otaibi's visit follows closely after Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud's two-day trip to Islamabad-the latter visit aimed to bolster bilateral economic cooperation and advance investment agreements previously agreed upon.

The Saudi delegation called on the President, the Prime Minister, and the Chairman of the General Staff of the Armed Forces.

The Saudi Foreign Minister held detailed talks with Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar at the Foreign Affairs Ministry.

The high-level Saudi delegation led by Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud also attended the Saudi Arabia-Pakistan Investment Conference held in Islamabad on Tuesday.

Saudi delegation seeks snvestments

In the Saudi delegation, key figures such as the Saudi Deputy Minister of Investment Engineer Ibrahim bin Yusuf Al Mubarak, the Saudi Minister of Environment Water Resources and Agriculture Engineer Abdul Rahman bin Abdul Mohsen Al-Fazli, and the Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Engineer Bandar bin Ibrahim bin Abdullah Al Kharif, were prominent participants.

According to Pakistan's Foreign Affairs Ministry, "The Pakistan side assured the Saudi side of maximum support and facilitation in fast-tracking the Kingdom's prospective multibillion-dollar investments in Pakistan."

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia issued a joint call for a cease-fire in Gaza, emphasizing the need for de-escalation in the region. Additionally, while addressing a joint press conference with Al-Saud also urged an immediate cessation of war in Gaza.

Both Foreign Ministers expressed concern at the deteriorating situation in the Middle East. However, they refrained from directly addressing Iran's recent strike on Israel.

Al-Saud emphasized the situation's urgency, deeming it unacceptable and an apparent failure of the international system, noting, "The reality is that the international community is falling short of its responsibility. There's a pressing need for us to intensify our efforts to halt the ongoing violence and bloodshed."

He pointed out that the humanitarian crisis in Gaza was already exacerbating tensions and emphasized the urgent necessity to avoid further conflict in the area.

Accelerating investments in Pakistan

Dar also urged an immediate and unconditional cease-fire in Gaza.

As outlined in a...