ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has reiterated that any aggression against Saudi Arabia will be dealt with strongly and effectively by Pakistan.

“..... I’m saying once again that any aggression on Saudi Arabia will be dealt with strongly and effectively,” he said in a recent interview with Okaz/Saudi Gazette.

Answering a question, he welcomed a UN Security Council resolution on Yemen and said Pakistan would contribute to its implementation.

Also read: PM Nawaz expresses 'solidarity' with Saudi Arabia over Yemen

The prime minister said he had affirmed to the Saudi leadership during his latest visit to the country that any violation of sovereignty and territorial integrity of the kingdom would evoke a strong response from Pakistan.

Mr Sharif said he had held detailed discussions with the Saudi king on the Yemen crisis. “I expressed my government’s total solidarity with Saudi Arabia.”

The prime minister said the people and the government of Pakistan greatly valued the holy land of Saudi Arabia.

Besides excellent political relations at the highest level, the two countries had a high level of economic, defence and security cooperation and closely cooperated at international forums like the UN, NAM, G-77 and OIC, he said.

He said Pakistan and Saudi Arabia worked together and supported each other on issues of mutual interest. The historic friendship between the two countries, he said, had turned into a strategic partnership that also facilitated their constructive role in the maintenance of international peace and security.

“We hold King Salman in high esteem. He is a sagacious leader with a vision for peace, security, stability and prosperity of not only the Muslim Ummah but also the region and beyond.”

Prime Minister Sharif said the UN Security Council resolution adopted on April 14 provided a framework for early resolution of the crisis in Yemen and was driven by the vision of the Saudi leadership. “We are confident that this will be helpful in bringing about an early end to the ongoing difficult situation in Yemen,” he said.

Pakistan strongly condemned the violent overthrow of the legitimate government of President (Abd-Rabbu Mansour) Hadi by the Houthi militia.

“We welcome the decision taken to end the Decisive Storm Operation and we support the endeavours for early settlement of the crisis in Yemen,” he said.

The prime minister said Pakistan had affirmed to the leadership of Saudi Arabia that its government would fully contribute to the implementation of the UNSC resolution and would enhance its cooperation in view of increasing threats to the region from different terrorist groups.

About a resolution adopted by Pakistan’s parliament, he said there would not have been any misunderstanding had it been read in its correct perspective.

“Nevertheless, I sent my special envoy to Saudi Arabia on April 15, accompanied by my adviser on national security and foreign affairs, the foreign secretary and the chief of general staff. The visit served the purpose of removing any such misperception and helped reinforce our resolve to strengthen our ties,” he said.

The prime minister said the Saudi leadership appreciated his statement of April 13, which clarified the resolution adopted by the parliament.

Published in Dawn, April 29th, 2015

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