Islamabad (Web Desk): Pakistan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have reiterated their resolve to work together and further enhance bilateral cooperation for the mutual benefit of the two brotherly countries.
This was discussed at a meeting between President Asif Ali Zardari and the visiting Defence Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), His Royal Highness Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud, who called on him at Aiwan-i-Sadr on Saturday.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Federal Minister for Defence and Defence Production, Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Syed Asim Munir, and the Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan, Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki, were also present during the meeting.
While welcoming the visiting dignitary, President Zardari said that Pakistan accords utmost importance to its relations with Saudi Arabia as both countries enjoy a fraternal bond, marked by shared faith and historical relations.
He underscored the need for further increasing bilateral cooperation in various fields.
The president deeply thanked KSA for the support provided to Pakistan during challenging times.
He lauded the leadership of His Majesty King Salman bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud and the vision of the Crown Prince His Royal Highness Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud that would propel Saudi Arabia towards remarkable progress.
The Saudi Defence Minister said that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia enjoy strong historical, strategic and defence cooperation.
He further stated that both countries should work together and support each other to further deepen bilateral relations.
The Saudi defence minister highlighted that his country believed in regional prosperity and had succeeded in increasing economic integration.
PM Shehbaz, Saudi defence minister discuss security, regional issues
Prince Khalid bin Salman Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud called on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at the Prime Minister House on Saturday and discussed in detail bilateral matters, regional peace, security and situation in the region.
Minister for Defence Khawaja Asif and COAS Syed Asim Munir also attended the meeting. They also exchanged views on increasing cooperation between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia in the areas of defence and security.
The prime minister congratulated the Saudi defence minister on receiving Pakistan’s highest civil award Nishan-e-Pakistan. He thanked him for attending the Pakistan Day parade as a special guest.
PM Shehbaz expressed best wishes for Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud.
Talking to the Saudi Defence Minister, PM Shehbaz said that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have close brotherly ties based on commonalities of religion, history and culture, which are further strengthening with the passage of time.
"Pakistan greatly values its relations with Saudi Arabia," the premier said adding that Saudi Arabia fully supported Pakistan on every front.
He said during his previous tenure as prime minister, Saudi Arabia played a very critical role in improving the economic situation of Pakistan, and it was highly regarded.
He said the people of Pakistan have a special place in their hearts for the Saudi royal family.
While mentioning, Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), PM Shehbaz said one window operation was created for the investors through the establishment of the council, which would facilitate business activities and investment.
He said immense opportunities were present in Pakistan in different fields including agriculture, information technology and mining.
The prime minister underlined the need for further cooperation between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia in the fields of defence and economy.
PM Shehbaz reiterated his earlier invitation and said Pakistan was waiting to welcome the visit of His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman.
On this occasion, the Saudi defence minister felicitated PM Shehbaz on assuming his office and expressed best wishes for him.
He thanked Pakistan for inviting him as a special guest for Pakistan Day parade and said he had the opportunity to witness the best capabilities of armed forces of Pakistan during the parade.
The Saudi defence minister said that the recent visit of Chief of Army Staff General (COAS) Syed Asim Munir to Saudi Arabia was very important and fruitful to further promote defence relations of the two countries.