KEY POINTS
- Prime Minister Sharif met Saudi Ambassador Al-Malkiy in Islamabad.
- They discuss bilateral ties and recent “regional and global developments”.
- PM Sharif appreciated Saudi support for Pakistan and regional peace.
- Saudi Ambassador reiterated Kingdom’s desire to expand cooperation with Pakistan.
- Pakistan expressed “complete solidarity” with Saudi Arabia and reaffirmed commitment to the Kingdom’s security.
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met Saudi Ambassador Nawaf bin Saeed Ahmad Al-Malkiy on Wednesday in Islamabad and discussed bilateral ties and recent “regional and global developments”.
Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Al-Malkiy called on PM Sharif at the Prime Minister House, according to a press release issued by the Prime Minister’s Office Press Wing. During the meeting, both sides emphasised cooperation, regional peace, and stability through dialogue and diplomacy.
During the warm and cordial meeting, Prime Minister Sharif conveyed his respectful regards and good wishes for the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, as well as for the Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the press release added.
While expressing satisfaction at the “excellent state of bilateral relations” between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, Prime Minister Sharif reaffirmed his strong commitment and resolve to further deepen the “long-standing fraternal bonds” between both countries, according to the Prime Minister’s Office Press Wing.
Prime Minister Sharif thanked Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for his patronage and support of Pakistan that had brought the two countries closer than ever before, the press release stated.
The Prime Minister recalled his meetings with the Saudi Crown Prince during the year, which had been “highly productive” and had contributed significantly to elevating Pakistan-Saudi bilateral ties to new levels.
Saudi Arabia’s role in promoting regional peace
Prime Minister Sharif also expressed deep appreciation for Saudi Arabia’s consistent support for Pakistan in times of need and its constructive role in promoting regional peace and stability.
The Prime Minister emphasised the need to maintain peace and stability through dialogue and diplomacy.
Saudi Ambassador Al-Malkiy conveyed the warm greetings from King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to the Prime Minister, the press release stated.
The Saudi Ambassador reiterated the Kingdom’s desire to expand cooperation with Pakistan in all areas of mutual interest.
Pakistan reaffirms solidarity with Saudi Arabia
Earlier today, Pakistan’s Foreign Office, in a statement, expressed “complete solidarity” with Saudi Arabia, reaffirming its commitment to the Kingdom’s security. Islamabad also reiterated its support for Yemen’s “unity and territorial integrity”.
Pakistan also expressed support for all efforts aimed at establishing lasting peace and stability in Yemen.
“In this regard, Pakistan strongly opposes unilateral steps by any Yemeni party that may further escalate the situation, undermine peace efforts, and threaten the peace and stability of Yemen as well as that of the region,” the statement said.
🔊PR No.3️⃣8️⃣8️⃣/2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣5️⃣
Pakistan Expresses Concern Over Resurgence of Violence in Yemen https://t.co/gAPA5bVuni
🔗⬇️ pic.twitter.com/jHm8LPYky1— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) December 31, 2025
Pakistan has also welcomed regional initiatives aimed at de-escalating tensions and promoting peace and stability in Yemen.
Islamabad expressed its full solidarity with Saudi Arabia and reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the Kingdom’s security.
Resolving Yemen issue through dialogue
Pakistan reiterated its firm support for resolving the Yemen issue through dialogue and diplomacy and expressed hope that the Yemeni people, together with regional stakeholders, will work towards an inclusive and lasting settlement that upholds regional stability.
On Tuesday, the United Arab Emirates announced the withdrawal of its remaining counter-terrorism units from Yemen, saying the decision was taken after a review of recent developments on the ground.
The decision came after Saudi Arabia expressed strong concern over recent actions by the UAE in Yemen, warning that they posed serious risks to Saudi national security and to the stability of Yemen and the wider region.
In a statement carried by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs referred to an announcement issued on December 25, 2025, saying the Kingdom had been working closely with the UAE to contain escalating developments in the Yemeni governorates of Hadramout and Al-Mahara.
Saudi Arabia also called on the United Arab Emirates to accept the Yemeni government’s request for all foreign forces to withdraw from the country within 24 hours and to halt any military or financial support to Yemeni factions.
The Kingdom expressed hope that wisdom, brotherhood, good neighborliness, and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) solidarity would prevail, allowing for the preservation and strengthening of bilateral relations between Riyadh and Abu Dhabi.
The Foreign Ministry added that Saudi Arabia remained committed to joint efforts to promote peace, prosperity, and stability across the region.
