ISLAMABAD (special crosspondent) – Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif held a formal telephone conversation with His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, earlier this morning to discuss matters of regional significance and bilateral cooperation.

Condemnation of Red Sea Attacks

During their most cordial conversation, the Prime Minister expressed Pakistan’s condemnation, in the strongest possible terms, of the dastardly attacks carried out by the Houthi militia against Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea. He added that such actions were totally unacceptable, constitute a clear violation of international law, threaten freedom of navigation and commercial shipping, and undermine regional peace, security, and stability. This stance remains consistent with Pakistan’s broader efforts, such as the United States and Saudi Arabia Sign Landmark Civil Nuclear Agreement, in maintaining regional equilibrium.

Solidarity and Strategic Support

The Prime Minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s complete solidarity with the brotherly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and stated that he, along with Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, and the entire Pakistani nation, stands firmly and resolutely with the Saudi leadership and brotherly people of the Kingdom at this critical time. He reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering support for the Kingdom’s security, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and prosperity.

Commitment to Maritime Security

The Prime Minister assured His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman that Pakistan would continue to work very closely with the Kingdom, as well as with the international community, in support of peace, security, stability, and the uninterrupted flow of lawful maritime commerce in the Red Sea, Strait of Hormuz and the wider region. As the government continues its various economic initiatives, such as the Government of Pakistan Launches National Action Plan on Human Rights, maintaining secure international trade routes remains a high diplomatic priority.

Bilateral Fraternal Ties

His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman appreciated Pakistan’s steadfast support and the close fraternal ties between the two countries. Availing himself of the opportunity, the Prime Minister conveyed his warm regards and best wishes to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, His Majesty King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.