PM Sharif to witness Saudi military exercises

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud has invited PM Sharif to the Saudi Arabia.

A large number of other Heads of State and Government have also been invited. Troops from 21 countries, including Pakistan, are participating in the exercise, in the northern region of Saudi Arabia.

The main goal of the exercise is to improve training in responding to the threat posed by terrorist groups.

Read here: Pakistan among 20 nations taking part in military manoeuvre in Saudi

Pakistan enjoys cordial and brotherly relations with Saudi Arabia, which are characterized by strong bonds of affinity, mutual

respect and solidarity, and draw strength from shared historical, cultural and Islamic values. Both countries enjoy multi faceted cooperation, including in the fields of defense and counter-terrorism, said a statement issued here.

The “Thunder of the North” exercise involving ground, air, and naval forces sends a “clear message” that Riyadh and its allies “stand united in confronting all challenges and preserving peace and stability in the region, said SPA.

Saudi Arabia is currently leading a military campaign against Iran-backed rebels in its southern neighbour Yemen. Last December, it also formed a new 35-member coalition to fight “terrorism” in Islamic countries.