Pakistan, Saudi FMs reaffirm cooperation under Makkah agreement

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia on Tuesday reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen bilateral cooperation under the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement and to promote regional peace, stability and security, according to a report by the Associated Press of Pakistan.

The commitment was made during a meeting between Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The two leaders discussed bilateral relations and the implementation of the Makkah agreement, the APP report said.

The foreign ministers welcomed the signing of an agreement on mutual exemption from visa requirements for holders of diplomatic and official or special passports. The APP report noted that the leaders also reaffirmed the deep-rooted and brotherly relationship between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.

Dar expressed Pakistan’s steadfast solidarity with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and condemned the recent attacks targeting the Kingdom. The APP report did not provide further details about the nature or timing of those attacks.

Both sides underscored the importance of sustained high-level exchanges and continued close coordination on bilateral and regional matters of mutual interest, according to the APP report. The meeting was part of Pakistan's diplomatic engagements on the margins of the UN General Assembly's annual high-level week in New York.