Crown Prince Salman, deputy premier and minister of defense, holds talks with Pakistani Premier Nawaz Sharif in Riyadh on Thursday. (SPA)

Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Thursday called on Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah at the King Abdul Aziz Medical City and inquired about his health and prayed for his early recovery.

Sharif was received at the hospital by National Guard Minister Prince Miteb bin Abdullah, Riyadh Gov. Prince Turki bin Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz and other top officials and royal family members. Sharif wished a “speedy recovery” to the king.

Earlier in the day, Sharif held wide-ranging talks with Crown Prince Salman, deputy premier and minister of defense. Sharif briefed the crown prince about measures being taken to tackle terrorism and militancy in Pakistan.

The dialogue between the two leaders focused on the “close bilateral relations and the ways to further strengthen them in different fields,” said a senior diplomat. “Regional issues, with special reference to the situation in the Middle East, came under discussion,” he said. The Crown Prince Salman and Sharif exchanged views on further “enhancing relations” in all areas of mutual interest, including economy, defense, security and manpower.

Before flying to the Kingdom, Sharif said: “Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are tied in close bonds of shared faith and values. Being the custodians of two holy mosques, the Saudi leadership has a special place in the heart of every Pakistani.”

Sharif, who left for Jeddah later in the day, will perform Umrah and visit the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah during his two-day trip.

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