RAWALPINDI: Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Raheel Sharif Wednesday called on Saudi Crown Prince Salman bin Abdul Aziz Al-Saud on the first day of his official visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Gen Sharif was also conferred upon King Abdul Aziz Medal of Excellence by the crown prince, said an ISPR press release.

The army chief held separate meetings with Deputy Interior Minister Abdul Rahman bin Ali Al-Rubaian, Chief of General Staff Royal Saudi Armed Forces General Hussain bin Abdullah Al-Qubayyal and Commander Royal Saudi Land Forces Lieutenant General Eid bin Awadh Al-Shalwi.

The meetings focused on defence and security cooperation, regional stability and steps towards strengthening bonds between the two countries.

The COAS reiterated goodwill of the government and people of Pakistan, and thanked the Saudi leadership for KSA's support to Pakistan and its armed forces.

Gen Raheel Sharif was also the guest of honour at a luncheon hosted by General Hussain bin Abdullah Al-Qubayyal.

The Pakistani army chief is on a three-day official visit at the invitation of Saudi authorities.

His interaction with senior political and military leadership of Saudi Arabia will encompass Pak-Saudi relations with particular emphasis on defence and security cooperation.

Saudi Crown Prince Salman, who happens to be Defence Minister of Saudi Arabia as well, is due to visit Pakistan on a three-day official visit from February 15 to 17.

Last month, Saudi Foreign Minister Saud Al-Faisal also visited Pakistan amid speculation circling in the media regarding a likely deal between Pakistani and Saudi government to provide General (retd) Pervez Musharraf a safe exit out of the country.

The former military ruler is currently facing high treason charges for imposing a sate of emergency in Pakistan and dislodging judges of the superior courts in 2007.