Islamabad (Web Desk/Agencies): President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to a strong and enduring friendship with Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Addressing the Saudi Arabia's National Day Reception in Islamabad, President Asif Ali Zardari reiterated Pakistan's commitment to further strengthening bilateral cooperation with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the areas of economy, trade, defence, culture, education and people-to-people contacts.
While extending heartfelt felicitations to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdul-Aziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdul-Aziz Al Saud and the people of Saudi Arabia on their National Day, the president highlighted that both brotherly countries enjoyed excellent relations in various fields and had always supported each other during challenging times.
The president expressed deep appreciation for the vision of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and the significant progress achieved by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
He remarked that the bold initiatives taken by the Crown Prince would propel the country towards greater progress and prosperity. The president wished Saudi Arabia continued success on this transformative journey.
President Zardari expressed gratitude to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for its continued support to Pakistan and as well as hosting nearly 2.7 million Pakistanis, who are making contributions to the Kingdom’s social and economic development.
He expressed confidence that the bilateral relations between the two brotherly nations would continue to further strengthen in the years to come. He emphasized that both countries would work together for the advancement of their nations, the unity of the Muslim Ummah, and the promotion of peace and stability in the region and beyond.
The president on the occasion also gave Ghilaf-e-Ka’aba to Olympic gold medalist Arshad Nadeem.
In a televised message on the occasion, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to a strong and enduring friendship with Saudi Arabia, pledging to work together to promote peace, stability and development in the region.
“This friendship is built on mutual respect, cooperation, and shared values that have withstood the test of time, the prime minister said.”
The message was aired at the National Day Reception of KSA, hosted by Saudi Embassy to celebrate the 94th Anniversary of the National Day of the KSA.
PM Shehbaz said that the bilateral relation was unique and went beyond common interstate interactions, as the countries had consistently supporting each other in times of need standing in solidarity during natural disasters and crisis, reflecting the depth of the fraternal bond that exist between the two countries.
“The people of Pakistan join me in acknowledging from the core of our hearts, the Kingdom’s generosity in helping stabilize Pakistan’s economic situation from time to time.”
“On behalf of the government and the people of Pakistan, I warmly congratulate the custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdul Aziz and Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman, as well as the brotherly people of KSA on the joyous occasion of their 94th national day,” PM Shehbaz said.
The prime minister paid tribute to the visionary leadership of King Salman bin Abdul Aziz who steadfastly guided the KSA towards progress and prosperity while upholding the sacred responsibility of the custodian of the Two Holy Mosques.
“We also highly commend the sagacious and farsighted vision of Mohammad bin Salman whose initiatives have positioned Saudi Arabia as a beacon of modernity, innovation and economic growth.”
He said that the KSA with its vision 203 and the theme “We Dream We Achieve” under the dynamic leadership of King Salman bin Abdul Aziz and Prince Mohammad bin Salman was assuming a global leadership role.
The 94th National Day of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervour, drawing participation from all walks of life here at a local hotel on Monday.
Diplomatic missions, political leaders, religious scholars, academicians, and the general public joined in expressing their admiration and respect for the Kingdom.
The grand event was graced by numerous high-profile figures, including President Asif Ali Zardari, Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider Khan, Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.
The event saw a confluence of prominent political and religious leaders who lauded the strong and long-standing ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
In his address, the Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Pakistan, Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to all the participants for their overwhelming support and presence.
He highlighted the deep-rooted brotherly relations between Pakistan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, emphasizing the shared values, religious bonds, and mutual cooperation in regional and global matters.
The event concluded with prayers for the continued prosperity and progress of both nations, reinforcing the sense of unity and brotherhood shared by the people of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.