Pakistan, Saudi Arabia Enjoy Strong, Close Relations: PM
'Pakistan Times' Federal Bureau

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz said Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have strong and close relations which are based on mutual respect, harmony, shared values and a common faith.

The Prime Minister was talking to Mr. Ali S. Awadh Asseri, Ambassador of Saudi Arabia in Pakistan who called on him at the PM's House here today.

The Saudi Ambassador called on the Prime Minister of Pakistan and presented a cheque for 1 million Saudi Riyal on behalf of Prince Fahd bin Sultan bin Abdul Aziz, Governor of Tabuk for relief arrangements for the people affected in the recent floods in Balochistan.

The Prime Minister also recalled that earlier during the earthquake, the Saudi Government and people had extended whole hearted and generous support for relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction including medical facilities in Dalbandin by Prince Fahd bin Sultan bin Abdul Aziz and the construction of a hospital in Mansehra by the Saudi Government.

While appreciating the gesture, the Prime Minister also recalled that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia enjoyed strategic and eternal relations which are multi-faceted and broad based including defence, security, energy, religious, cultural, economic & trade and investment.

People of Pakistan have a special love, respect and affection for the custodian of the two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz. Over a million Pakistanis are residing and working in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia while over 600,000 Pakistanis visit Saudi Arabia for performance of Hajj and Umrah every year.

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia support each other on many international and regional issues and are both members of the Organization of Islamic Countries(OIC) and are working for strengthening the cause of Muslim Ummah.

The Prime Minister appreciated the role of the Custodian of the two Holy Mosques as being a source of strength not only for Pakistan-Saudi relations but also for the entire Ummah.

The Saudi Ambassador thanked the Prime Minister for his sentiments and stated that the Pakistanis living and working in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are playing an important role in the Saudi economy.

He also informed that a number of Saudis investors are now keen to invest in various projects in the light of the Pakistan 's economic performance over the last few years.

The Saudi Ambassador stated that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia will continue to strive for harmony and peace through resolution of disputes and shall oppose militancy and terrorism.

He expressed the hope that the historical, unique and fraternal relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia will continue to grow and strengthen.●