As Saudi Crown Prince hosts Pak army chief in a tent, netizens ask what’s cooking
As Pakistan is facing an unprecedented economic as well as food crisis, it sent its Army Chief General Asim Munir to meet Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on January 5.
On January 9, General Munir received an ‘unusual’ reception during his maiden trip to Saudi Arabia from Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman.
Crown prince Mohammed bin Salman hosted the visiting Pakistan army chief in a Bedouin tent in the ancient city of Alula. Pakistan army chief discussed the ways to improve bilateral ties and matters of mutual interest during the meeting.
“During the reception, they reviewed bilateral relations and the ways of enhancing them, in addition to several issues of common concern,” reported Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
The reception was attended by Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman and Dr. Musaed bin Mohammed Al-Aiban, Minister of State, Member of the Cabinet and National Security Adviser. Pakistan’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Ameer Khurram and other officials were also present at the winter camp at Alula.
General Munir, who is on a week-long official visit to Saudi Arabia and the UAE, arrived in the Gulf Kingdom last Thursday on his first official visit abroad since taking command in November.
Saudi Arabia and the UAE are the two key supporters of Pakistan who come to its rescue when the chips are down.
The visit by the Pakistan army chief comes at a time when cash-strapped Pakistan is battling to fix its economic and political fissures amidst a parochial political rivalry between former premier Imran Khan and the current government.
Pakistan’s foreign reserves have depleted to less than $6bn and inflation has been skyrocketing. The country is also dealing with the aftermath of catastrophic floods in 2022 that resulted in an estimated loss of more than $30bn.
Netizens ask what’s cooking
The choice of meeting venue caught the attention of the netizens.
“Why are they meeting inside a tent? Highly unusual for a Saudi ruler to meet such a high profile personality so casually at his personal desert oasis,” said an internet user.
“I have never seen Prince Mohammad Bin Salman meeting anyone in his Bidoo tent. These photos shows comfort zone of Saudi Prince with Pakistani Army Chief Asim Munir. Rest is business! So let’s hope for the best,” another Twitter user said.
