Islamabad (Web Desk): President Asif Ali Zardari on Friday lauded the efforts of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and other key stakeholders in turning the longstanding brotherly relations between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye into a more robust strategic partnership.
The president held a meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at Aiwan-e-Sadr, where the premier also conveyed his greetings to President Zardari on Independence Day.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Federal Minister for Interior and Narcotics Control Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi, Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan and Senator Sherry Rehman attended the meeting, according to a statement issued by the Presidency.
During the meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif briefed President Zardari on the historic peace accord concluded by Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan in Makkah Mukarramah.
President Zardari welcomed the development and conveyed his best wishes for the successful implementation of the trilateral agreement.
He particularly highlighted its potential to enhance defence collaboration, support peace and stability in the region and strengthen the security and unity of the Muslim Ummah.
The president and the premier also exchanged views on domestic and international issues.
The participants commended the professionalism and sacrifices of Pakistan’s armed forces and law-enforcement personnel in their ongoing operations against terrorists associated with Fitna al-Hindustan and Fitna al-Khawarij.
The country’s leadership reiterated its determination to eradicate terrorism completely and take all necessary steps to safeguard Pakistan’s peace, stability and security.
Amid the changing regional environment, President Zardari called for practical steps to ease the financial pressures being faced by the people. He stressed the importance of maintaining a steady supply of essential goods and ensuring that these commodities remain available to citizens at affordable prices.
The president also expressed confidence that Pakistan’s diplomatic initiatives aimed at advancing peace at both the regional and international levels would enhance the country’s profile worldwide. He hoped that these efforts would also translate into economic benefits and improve the overall well-being of the people.
The meeting reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to maintaining regional peace, expanding strategic partnerships with friendly countries and safeguarding its national interests in response to the rapidly evolving regional and global landscape.