Special to WorldTribune.com

ABU DHABI — Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have decided to enhance security cooperation.

The two Muslim allies have signed what was described as major security cooperation accords during the three-day visit by Saudi Crown Prince Salman Bin Abdul Aziz.

Officials said the agreements would facilitate the extradition of suspects and the employment of Pakistanis in the Gulf Cooperation Council kingdom.

“It also realizes the hopes and aspirations of people in both countries,” the Saudi crown prince said.

Officials said the accords were meant to enhance the huge Pakistani presence in Saudi Arabia, which included members of the kingdom’s military and security forces. They said Salman oversaw agreements that would establish an intelligence exchange on insurgency threats, organized crime and the transfer of prisoners.

Nearly 7,000 Pakistanis have been reported in Saudi prisons. Most of them were arrested in the Saudi crackdown on illegal foreign labor in 2013, and officials said they could serve their sentences in Pakistan.

Officials have described relations between Islamabad and Riyad as strategic. They said Salman was leading a delegation of 350 people, including four ministers and leaders of the Saudi defense industry.

“We thank his Excellency [Salman] for making this important visit at
this important time,” Pakistani Defense Minister Khawaja Asif said on Feb.
16.

During his visit, Salman was reported to have discussed a Pakistani
proposal to expand defense and military training. Officials said Pakistan
has also offered to help develop the kingdom’s nascent defense industry.

“Pakistan and Saudi Arabia agreed to exchange of military personnel for
training and joint venture in defense production,” a Pakistan Defense
Ministry statement said. “Both countries could become self-sufficient in
defense equipment production for both countries besides exporting to
international market.”

  Islamabad, Khawaja Asif, Pakistan sign accord to expand strategic ties, Prince Salman, Saudi Arabia, Saudis