ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari has highlighted the immense potential for expanding economic and investment cooperation with Saudi Arabia and stressed making efforts to fully realise this potential.
The President reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthening economic, political, and cultural ties with Saudi Arabia for the mutual benefit of both nations.
He expressed these views while talking to the Chairman of the Shura Council of Saudi Arabia, Dr Abdullah bin Mohammad bin Ibrahim Al-Sheikh, who along with members of the Shura Council called on him, at the President House, a press release said on Thursday.
The president emphasised the need for enhancing parliamentary cooperation and high-level exchanges with Saudi Arabia to further deepen the fraternal relationship between the two countries.
Speaker National Assembly, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, and Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Pakistan, Nawaf Bin Said Al-Malki, were also present on the occasion.
Historic Ties Between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia
Welcoming the delegation, the President said that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia enjoy historic and brotherly ties, rooted in shared faith, history, and culture.
He said there is immense potential for expanding economic and investment cooperation between the two countries and called for making efforts to fully realise this potential.
The President voiced concern over the grave situation in the Middle East, arising out of the Israeli aggression targeting innocent civilians in Palestine, Lebanon, and Syria. He said that Pakistan stood in complete solidarity with their brothers and sisters from Palestine, Lebanon, and Syria.
The President conveyed his greetings and good wishes to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, and Crown Prince, Muhammed bin Salman.
During the meeting, both sides stressed the need to transform the longstanding bilateral relationship into a more robust and strategic partnership.
Dr Al-Sheikh described his visit to Pakistan as highly productive, noting that he had fruitful discussions with Pakistan’s leadership and parliamentarians.
Institutional Relations
Earlier, Chairman Senate Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani had received the Chairman of the Saudi Shura Council Dr. Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Ibrahim Al-Sheikh.
“Institutional relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have entered a new era, and the leadership of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has been a great source of support for Pakistan at every stage,” Gilani said. The chairman who had previously visited Saudi Arabia in 2008 and 2011, emphasised the deep cultural, religious, and historical bonds shared by the two nations.
“The people of Pakistan have a profound respect and affection for Saudi Arabia, rooted in our shared holy sites, historical connections, and common values,” he added. The Chairman further underscored the importance of expanding cooperation in areas of mutual interest, citing trade, investment, defence, energy, and education as key areas for growth.
The Saudi delegation also met with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The PM during the meeting said Pakistan is active in expanding economic and financial cooperation with Saudi Arabia as the two countries have recently signed agreements worth $ 2.2 billion.
PM Shehbaz highlighted the role of the 2.5 million Pakistani community in Saudi Arabia and said that they act as a profound bridge between the two friendly nations.
Earlier Speaker of the National Assembly, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, warmly welcomed Dr Abdullah bin Muhammad bin Ibrahim Al-Sheikh and his accompanying delegation upon their arrival in Islamabad on Tuesday.
Sardar Ayaz Sadiq on the occasion stated that Pakistan holds its long-standing brotherly relations with Saudi Arabia in the highest regard.
