Pak PM Sharif to visit Arabia for three days

Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif will undertake a three-day visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on March 9 on the invitation of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud during which he would witness the ongoing 'Thunder of the North' military exercises, conducted by 21 countries.

Among the countries taking part are Saudi Arabia's five partners in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), as well as Chad, Egypt, Jordan, Malaysia, Morocco, Pakistan, Senegal and Tunisia, reports Dawn.

Pakistan's Foreign Office said the stated goal of the exercise is to improve training in responding to threats posed by terrorist groups.

Both countries enjoy multi-faceted cooperation in the field of defence and counter-terrorism. Pakistan has affirmed to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with 'our Saudi brethren' against any threat to their territorial integrity and sovereignty," the statement issued by the Foreign Office said.

Pakistan has consistently supported all regional and international efforts to combat militancy, extremism and terrorism and has extended its full support and cooperation to the international community.

Saudi Press Agency (SPA) earlier called the exercise the 'most important and largest in the region's history' in terms of the number of nations taking part and the weaponry being used.