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Pakistan Ambassador Manzoor Ul Haq and Defense Attache Brigadier Tahir Gulzar Malik at the 50th anniversary of the Pakistan Defense Day in Riyadh on Sunday. (AN photo)
Published — Tuesday 8 September 2015
Last update 8 September 2015 1:39 am
RIYADH: Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have a sound defense cooperation, which includes exchange of experience in related fields between the two countries, the defense attaché of the country’s mission in Riyadh, Brig. Tahi Gulzar Malik, told Arab News here on Sunday.
Malik was speaking on the sidelines of the 50th anniversary celebrations of the Pakistan Defense Day.
Maj. Gen. Zaafer Al-Shehiri from the Saudi Royal Naval Forces graced the occasion as the guest of honor.
The event was inaugurated with the Pakistan and Saudi national anthems to indicate the strong relationship between the two nations.
High ranking officers from armed forces of the Kingdom and Pakistan, as well as members of the diplomatic corps, including ambassadors and defense attachés from several Riyadh-based foreign missions, were present at the event.
“While celebrating defense, we remember the great services rendered by the martyrs who sacrificed their lives to combat terror,” he said, pointing out that the country has paid a heavy price, that is $2 billion, due to terrorism.
The defense attaché said that there are regular exchanges of exercises between the two countries which occur either in the Kingdom or in Pakistan annually and biennially.
“Some 200 Saudi pilots who are attached to Saudi naval, air and land forces currently were trained in Pakistan as part of the training exchange program,” he added.
Pakistan Ambassador Manzoor Ul Haq said his country has been a victim of terror. “We have gradually overcome the problem to maintain peace on our land,” he said, adding that his country is interested in maintaining warm relationships with all friendly countries.
The envoy said that the two countries maintain excellent relations in all fields of cooperation such as defense, trade, political and social sectors.
He recalled the bravery, steadfastness and resolve of the Pakistani forces again a rival much higher than their strength. “Pakistani forces not only defend their land but also contribute a great deal to maintain peacekeeping missions internationally.
“They are playing an effective role against terrorism and results of their efforts have started bearing fruit; the terrorists are defeated, and peace and security are being maintained,” he said.
“We want to live with our neighbors peacefully and at the same time we have full potential to defend our borders,” he added.
The participants paid homage to the valiant sons of the soil who demonstrated formidable courage in defending their homeland.
Pakistan hails strong defense ties with KSA | Arab News
@JonAsad @Saifullah Sani
