Saudi minister discusses 'common challenges' with Pakistan

Islamabad, Jan 8: Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Adel Bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir discussed "common challenges" with Pakistani side during his one-day visit to the country.

The Saudi foreign minister met Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Army Chief General Raheel Sharif on Thursday. He also held talks with Pakistan's Foreign Affairs Adviser Sartaj Aziz, Xinhua reported.

The Saudi foreign minister said both the sides explored options to further "deepen strategic partnership and boost cooperation in every field".

Al-Jubeir in his meeting with General Raheel Sharif discussed "regional security situation", a statement from Inter Services Public Relations said.

He also called on Nawaz Sharif to exchange views on regional security and matters of mutual interest, the prime minister's office said.

The visit came at a critical time amid the ongoing Saudi-Iran tensions that led to breaking of diplomatic ties between the two nations.

Pakistan has expressed concern at the tensions, pressing both countries to resolve their differences peacefully.