Pakistan's Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Munir and the newly arrived Saudi ambassador have both voiced satisfaction with the progress achieved under the Makkah defence pact, Dawn reported on Monday, citing a statement from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
The remarks came during a meeting between the two officials, according to the ISPR statement carried by Dawn. The report did not specify where the meeting took place or give further details on what was discussed.
The Makkah defence pact is a defence cooperation arrangement between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. Monday's statement is the latest indication of continued engagement between the two countries on security matters.
The new Saudi envoy has been active in Islamabad since taking up the post. According to Saudi Gazette, Pakistani Prime Minister Sharif received the new Saudi Ambassador. The Express Tribune reported that President Zardari received the credentials of Saudi and French ambassadors-designate. Separately, the Islamabad Post reported that the new Saudi Ambassador met Bahraini envoy in Islamabad as part of diplomatic outreach.
The ISPR statement did not elaborate on specific areas of cooperation covered by the pact or on any new agreements reached at the meeting. Dawn's report likewise provided no further detail beyond the expression of satisfaction by both sides.
It remains to be seen whether further meetings or joint statements will follow, and whether the two sides will release additional details on how the defence pact is being implemented.
