Pakistan, Saudi Arabia renew pledge to work together

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have reiterated their resolve to work together and further enhance the bilateral cooperation for 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) Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud, who called on him at the Aiwan-e-Sadr on Saturday.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Federal Minister for Defence and Defence Production Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir and Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki were also present during the meeting. While welcoming the visiting dignitary, the President said Pakistan accorded utmost importance to its relations with Saudi Arabia as both countries enjoyed a fraternal bond, marked by shared faith and historical relations. He underscored the need for further increasing the bilateral cooperation in various fields.

The president deeply thanked the KSA for the support provided to Pakistan during challenging times. He lauded the leadership of King Salman bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud and the vision of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud that would propel Saudi Arabia towards remarkable progress.

The Saudi defence minister highlighted that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia enjoyed strong historical, strategic and defence cooperation. He further said that both countries should work together and support each other to further deepen the bilateral relations. He highlighted that his country believed in regional prosperity and had succeeded in increasing economic integration.

Earlier, President Asif Ali Zardari conferred the Nishan-i-Pakistan award on Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud, Minister for Defence of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in recognition of his meritorious services towards further strengthening the bilateral cooperation and his contribution towards peace in the region. The president congratulated Prince Khalid bin Salman on the award and thanked him for his role in promoting defence ties.