In a significant diplomatic engagement, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a crucial telephone conversation with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Wednesday, expressing Pakistan’s unwavering solidarity with the Kingdom following recent military actions in Yemen. The discussion centered on regional stability concerns after Saudi airstrikes targeted Yemen’s strategic port city of Mukalla, which reportedly intercepted weapons shipments destined for separatist factions.
The prime minister’s office released an official statement detailing how both leaders emphasized the critical importance of maintaining regional peace through diplomatic dialogue and peaceful resolution mechanisms. They mutually reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the longstanding fraternal relations between their nations, with the statement noting that bilateral ties have ‘reached unprecedented levels in recent months.’
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman acknowledged Prime Minister Sharif’s supportive stance and reciprocated Saudi Arabia’s desire to expand cooperative efforts with Pakistan across mutually beneficial domains. Notably, the Saudi leader confirmed his intention to undertake an official state visit to Pakistan in the coming year, signaling continued diplomatic engagement.
This development occurs against the backdrop of escalating tensions in Yemen, where Saudi Arabia conducted targeted strikes against weapons shipments allegedly originating from the United Arab Emirates. The situation threatens to create new conflict fronts in Yemen’s decade-long civil war, potentially pitting anti-Houthi coalition forces against each other in the impoverished nation.
Pakistan finds itself navigating complex diplomatic waters, maintaining simultaneous close relationships with both Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Prime Minister Sharif’s communication with Saudi leadership followed his recent meeting with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Pakistan’s Punjab province, where discussions focused on de-escalating regional tensions.
The strategic partnership between Islamabad and Riyadh was formally strengthened through a mutual defense agreement signed in September, establishing that an attack on either nation would be considered an attack on both. Saudi Arabia remains a crucial economic partner for Pakistan, serving as a primary oil supplier and providing billions in financial assistance to help stabilize Pakistan’s economy and prevent foreign debt default.
Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry separately expressed deep concern about the renewed violence in Yemen, warning that unilateral actions by any Yemeni faction could exacerbate the conflict and further destabilize the region. The ministry reiterated Pakistan’s support for Saudi Arabia’s security concerns while advocating for Yemen’s territorial integrity and unity, endorsing regional efforts to restore peace and stability.