ISLAMABAD, Aug 14 (Alliance News): President Asif Ali Zardari on Friday praised Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal and Chief of Defence Forces Syed Asim Munir for elevating the longstanding fraternal relations among Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye into a stronger strategic partnership through the recently concluded trilateral peace agreement.
The appreciation came during a meeting between President Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at Aiwan-e-Sadr, where the prime minister called on the president to extend Independence Day greetings and brief him on key national and regional developments.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Federal Minister for Interior and Narcotics Control Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi, Speaker Punjab Assembly Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan, and Senator Sherry Rehman also attended the meeting.
During the meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif briefed the president on the historic peace agreement signed by Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye in Makkah Al-Mukarramah, describing it as a landmark step towards strengthening strategic cooperation among the three brotherly Muslim nations.
President Zardari welcomed the agreement and expressed his best wishes for its successful implementation, particularly in promoting defence collaboration, regional peace, collective security and the stability of the Muslim Ummah.
He observed that the agreement reflected the growing trust and strategic understanding among the three countries and would contribute significantly to promoting peace, stability and cooperation in the wider region.
The meeting also reviewed the country’s internal and external security environment, with the leadership paying tribute to the armed forces and law-enforcement agencies for their professionalism and sacrifices in operations against terrorists belonging to Fitna al-Hindustan and Fitna al-Khawarij.
The president and the prime minister reaffirmed the state’s unwavering resolve to completely eradicate terrorism and ensure lasting peace, stability and security across Pakistan.
Discussing the prevailing regional situation and its economic implications, President Zardari stressed the need for effective measures to provide maximum relief to the people, particularly those facing economic hardships.
He emphasized ensuring the uninterrupted supply of essential commodities and making them available to the public at affordable prices, saying improving the welfare of ordinary citizens should remain a top government priority.
President Zardari also expressed confidence that Pakistan’s active and balanced diplomacy in promoting regional and global peace would further enhance the country’s international standing while generating positive economic dividends through increased investment, trade and strategic partnerships.
The participants agreed that Pakistan would continue pursuing a foreign policy based on peaceful coexistence, constructive engagement and mutually beneficial cooperation with friendly countries while firmly safeguarding its sovereignty and national interests.
The meeting underscored Pakistan’s continued commitment to regional peace, strategic cooperation with brotherly nations and strengthening its diplomatic outreach amid evolving regional and global challenges.
