Pakistan delegation leaves for Saudi Arabia to discuss Yemen crisis

Islamabad, March 31: A high level delegation from Pakistan left for Saudi Arabia to hold talks over the ongoing crisis in Yemen on Tuesday, media reported.

Delegation comprises Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and adviser to the prime minister on foreign affairs and national security Sartaj Aziz, senior officials from the foreign office (FO) and three armed forces personnel.

They will meet Saudi Crown Prince Muqrin bin Abdulaziz and the Saudi Defence Minister in Riyadh besides meeting other high-ranking Saudi officials for discussion over the crisis in Yemen, Dawn reported.

Prior to his departure Defence Minister said that Pakistan will take all measures to safeguard territorial integrity of Saudi Arabia.

They are also likely to meet leadership of Jeddah-based Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to discuss the possibility of enabling a truce in Yemen.

Saudi Arabia and its allies last week launched air strikes in Yemen against Houthi fighters, who have tightened their grip in Aden where the country's president had taken refuge.

Pakistan is a regional ally of Saudi Arabia, the main Sunni Muslim power in the Gulf, but has yet to commit itself publicly to military support to Riyadh's campaign in Yemen.

OneIndia News