PM, COAS depart for Saudi Arabia

 

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Raheel Sharif departed for Saudi Arabia today (Wednesday) on the invitation of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

The civilian and military leaders will witness the ongoing military exercise ‘North Thunder’ and its closing ceremony.

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 response to the threat posed by terrorist groups.

PM Nawaz Sharif will also hold talks with the Saudi king to discuss the current situation in the Middle East, bilateral ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.

The prime minister will also hold meetings with heads of states during the visit.

PM Sharif will stay in Saudi Arabia for three days while the army chief will stay in Riyadh two days before returning to Pakistan.