Pak-Saudi cooperation to help eradicate terrorism

Islamabad - Sharif expressed gratitude to King Salman for Saudi Arabia's strong and consistent support to Pakistan.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has praised the enhanced cooperation between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia particularly in commercial, economic and investment sectors.
The appreciation came during the prime minister's meeting with the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, in the Saudi city of Hafr Al Batin, Radio Pakistan reported.
Sharif expressed gratitude to King Salman for Saudi Arabia's strong and consistent support to Pakistan.
Further, the prime minister lauded the successful completion of the joint military exercises which brought together contingents from two dozen Islamic countries.
"Such exercises will promote unity among Pakistan and Saudi Arabia and will demonstrate their resolve to further step up efforts to counter militancy and terrorism," Sharif said.
Armed forces from 20 countries, including Pakistan, participated in the 'Thunder of the North' military manoeuvres in northeastern Saudi Arabia that has been described as one of the world's biggest military exercises.
Expressing appreciation to Nawaz Sharif for accepting the invitation to witness the joint military exercises, King Salman said: "The exercises have enhanced cooperation and understanding between armed forces of the two countries and reinforced existing bilateral relations."
Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Fatemi were also present on the occasion.
Later, the prime minister along with the COAS arrived at Masjid-e-Nabawi in the Holy City of Madina where he prayed for the progress and solidarity of the country.
Earlier, Saudi Arabia increased financial assistance to Pakistan and signed an agreement of $122 million in economic aid, the highest amount Riyadh has officially given to Islamabad in the last five years, sources said.
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