Sajjad Haider, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan, during his weekly press conference in Islamabad, expressed concerns related to recent developments in Saudi Arabia and reaffirmed his country's commitment to defense obligations with this country. He stated that the nature of Pakistan's defense pacts with Saudi Arabia and Turkey is purely defensive and asserted that these agreements never imply aggression beyond borders.
History of Military Cooperation between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia
Haider further discussed the history of military cooperation between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, stating that this cooperation began in 1982. He added that the extent of this cooperation has increased with the signing of a joint strategic defense pact and defense agreement with Saudi Arabia and Turkey. This cooperation includes Pakistan's technical, military, and advisory presence in Saudi Arabia.
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Response to Media Claims
In response to a recent New York Times report about the use of Pakistan Air Force fighter jets in attacks on Yemen, he emphasized that these claims are merely incorrect speculations and that the Ministry of Information of Pakistan has previously rejected this claim. Haider stressed that such reports can harm international relations and highlighted the need for caution in publishing news related to military issues.
Pakistan's Role in Regional Diplomacy
Sajjad Haider, in response to a question about the exchange of messages between Iran and the United States and Islamabad's role in this process, stated that Pakistan is aware of the current situation and understands that Iran and the U.S. are exchanging messages. He also noted that some of the message exchanges align with the contents of the Islamabad agreement. Haider concluded by saying, "Diplomacy and engagement are the only paths to peace, and Pakistan remains eager to continue its role in this regard."
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