Pakistan, Saudi Arabia vow close coordination after Houthi attacks in Red Sea

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Thursday agreed to work closely to maintain regional peace, security and the uninterrupted flow of lawful maritime commerce following Houthi attacks on Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea.

During a telephone conversation, Prime Minister Shehbaz strongly condemned the attacks, describing them as unacceptable and in violation of international law. He said the incidents threatened freedom of navigation and undermined regional peace and security.

The premier reaffirmed Pakistan's complete solidarity with Saudi Arabia, saying the Pakistani leadership and people stood firmly with the Kingdom during the ongoing security challenges.

The two leaders agreed to continue coordination to ensure stability in the Red Sea, the Strait of Hormuz and the wider region.

The call came after Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi movement claimed missile and drone attacks on two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea and threatened to impose a naval blockade on Saudi ports. Saudi authorities confirmed that one tanker, Encelia, was struck in the attack.