Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Salman bin Abdulaziz, arrived in Pakistan on Saturday for an official state visit.

After landing in Islamabad, Prince Salman - also the Kingdom’s Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister - met with Pakistani President Mamnoon Hussain at the capital’s Presidential Palace.

The Crown Prince arrived in Islamabad on an official visit in response to an invitation from Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. Prince Salman arrived at the Pakistani Air Force Base Nur Khan, where he was received by Prime Minister Sharif and a host of dignitaries.

Prince Salman said the trip was in keeping with a long tradition of friendly relations between the two states.

He said: “My visit comes within the framework of the historic and strong relations between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, and to assert the joint aspiration of the leadership of both countries to strengthen and develop all aspects of the relationship at a bilateral level, in a manner which strengthens the mutual interests and meets the aspirations of both countries, as well as holding consultations and coordinating in issues of mutual interest at both regional and international level.”

Prince Salman added he hoped the trip would also bolster Saudi-Pakistani ties and cooperation “in the service of Islamic issues and interests, and to strengthen the role of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.”

The Saudi Crown Prince is also expected to meet with Pakistani Foreign Minister Sartaj Aziz and Defense Minister Khawaja Asif on Sunday.

Source: Asharq Al-Awsat; SPA

Caption: Saudi Crown Prince Salman bin Abdulaziz, left, and Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in Islamabad, Pakistan on February 15, 2014. (SPA)