ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Army Chief Gen. Qamar Javed Bajwa said on Thursday his country was proud of its “special strategic and brotherly relationship” with Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The commander’s remarks came during a meeting with Saudi Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Adel Al-Jubeir and UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed bin Sultan Al-Nahyan in Rawalpindi, the military’s media wing said on Thursday. The leaders discussed matters of mutual interest including “growing bilateral ties and the security situation in the region,” the army said, adding that the visiting dignitaries appreciated “Pakistan’s role in preserving peace and stability in the region.” The ministers arrived in Islamabad on Wednesday and met Prime Minister Imran Khan. In his meeting with the ministers, Khan said Saudi Arabia and the UAE have an “important role” to play in urging New Delhi to halt and reverse its “illegal actions” in Indian-administered Kashmir. “The visiting ministers underlined the strong bonds of Saudi Arabia and the UAE with Pakistan and the strategic salience of their relationships with Pakistan. They reaffirmed their strong support and solidarity with the people of Pakistan,” Khan’s office said in a statement. Khan highlighted Pakistan’s deep concern over the worsening human rights situation in Kashmir “because of the month-long complete lockdown and communications blackout in the occupied territory,” the statement said. “Both countries would remain engaged to help address the current challenges, defuse tensions, and promote an environment of peace and security,” the statement said. The visit by the Saudi and Emirati ministers follows a number of phone conversations between their respective crown princes and Khan since Aug. 5. The ministers also met with Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, whose office said developments in Kashmir and the regional security situation were discussed. Qureshi said India’s actions violate UN Security Council resolutions and international law, and pose a serious threat to peace and security. “India has made hostage millions of Kashmiris for the last one month,” his office said in a statement. Qureshi welcomed the visiting ministers’ stance on human rights violations in Kashmir.