ISLAMABAD: Speaker National Assembly (NA) Sardar Ayaz Sadiq said on Tuesday the Pakistan–Saudi Strategic Defence Agreement symbolises mutual friendship, trust, and shared vision for regional peace and stability. Talking to Chairman of the Shura Council of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Dr Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Ibrahim Al-Sheikh, who called on him at the Parliament House here, Sadiq termed this agreement an honour and a matter of pride for Pakistan, marking a new chapter of enduring partnership and development between the two countries.
During the meeting, both the sides held comprehensive discussions on bilateral relations, parliamentary cooperation, regional situation, Muslim Ummah’s unity, and promotion of economic partnership. The NA speaker said Pakistan and Saudi Arabia enjoy historic relations rooted in faith, brotherhood, trust, and mutual respect, adding Saudi Arabia had always been a sincere and time-tested friend of Pakistan. He emphasised that enhanced parliamentary cooperation between the two brotherly nations would play a vital role in bringing the peoples of both the countries closer together.
Sadiq expressed good wishes for King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, Chairman Shura Council Dr Abdullah Al-Sheikh, and the people of Saudi Arabia. He also paid rich tribute to the role of the Custodians of the Two Holy Mosques, stating that Saudi Arabia continued to play a remarkable role in preserving the cultural and spiritual heritage.
The NA speaker appreciated the constructive and humanitarian role of Saudi Arabia in facilitating the Gaza ceasefire, terming it a reflection of the kingdom’s leadership and commitment to global peace. He further stated that the Pakistan government and opposition were united on strengthening relations with Saudi Arabia.
He also appreciated Saudi Arabia’s expression of solidarity during the Pakistan–India conflict and its consistent support for Pakistan’s stance on the Kashmir issue at international forums.
Recognising his valuable services for strengthening Pakistan-Saudi Arabia parliamentary relations, Speaker Sadiq said Dr Abdullah Al-Sheikh will be conferred Pakistan’s highest civil award.
Chairman of the Shura Council Dr Abdullah Al-Sheikh thanked Speaker Sadiq for the warm welcome and gracious hospitality extended to the Saudi delegation.
He said visiting Pakistan had been a great pleasure and reaffirmed that Saudi Arabia and Pakistan stand together in every sphere, with their relations growing stronger over time.
He emphasised that the strategic defence partnership was not directed against any third country, but was aimed at promoting peace and stability in the region.
Dr Abdullah Al-Sheikh stressed the importance of enhancing parliamentary exchanges between the Saudi Shura Council and Pakistan’s Parliament to foster greater understanding and cooperation. He noted that Pakistan holds a central position in the Islamic world and continues to play a crucial role in promoting unity among Muslim countries.
Both the sides reiterated the need for greater unity among Muslim countries, enhanced regional cooperation, and expansion of economic partnerships between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. The meeting was also attended by Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Pakistan Nawaf bin Saeed Al-Malki, Deputy Speaker National Assembly Syed Ghulam Mustafa Shah, Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf, and MNAs Syed Hafizuddin, Zeib Jafar, Malik Aamir Dogar, Sehar Kamran, Mujahid Ali, and Noor Alam Khan.
