Response to queries regarding media reports about an in camera briefing to National Assembly Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs

Islamabad, January 12, 2016 (PPI-OT): Responding to questions concerning media reports about the contents of a briefing to the National Assembly Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs by the Adviser to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Mr. Sartaj Aziz on 12 January 2016, the Spokesman clarified that the briefing was provided in an in camera session. It was in line with Pakistan’s earlier stated position on decision to join 34-nation coalition against terrorism.

The Advisor informed the Committee that Saudi Arabia is a close friend of Pakistan. Pakistan and Saudi Arabia enjoy multi faceted cooperation including in the fields of defence and counter terrorism. Pakistan has affirmed that any threat to Saudi Arabia’s territorial integrity will evoke strong response from Pakistan. Recent high level contacts between the two countries have further strengthened these ties.

Reiterating Pakistan’s position, the Spokesman underscored that, in keeping with Pakistan’s unflinching commitment to combating terrorism and support for all regional and international efforts to eliminate the menace of terrorism, Pakistan welcomed the formation of the Coalition to counter terrorism. The facets of cooperation and different activities of the Coalition will be decided after consultative meetings which will be hosted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the near future.

For more information, contact:
Mr. Aizaz Ahmad Ch
Spokesman
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Government of Pakistan
Tell: +92-51-9205494
Fax: +92-51-9204202
Cell: +92-336-5644459
Website: www.mofa.gov.pk