Nawaz, Maryam discuss economic, defence cooperation with Saudi ambassador

LAHORE: PMLN President and former prime minister Nawaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz met Saudi Arabian Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf Bin Saeed al-Maliki on Thursday and discussed matters of mutual interest, economic cooperation, defence partnership and issues related to the unity of Ummah.

They conveyed their best wishes and heartfelt respect to the Custodian of Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman, and reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening historical, political, economic and defence relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. They agreed to further expand defence partnership, joint training, intelligence exchange and mutual cooperation. Maryam said, Relationship between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia is based on mutual trust, shared values and long-standing brotherhood. Relations with Saudi Arabia is a central pillar of Pakistan s foreign policy, which is continuously strengthening in political, economic and other areas. She highlighted, Pakistan signed charter of Global Water Organisation under the leadership of Saudi Arabia as a founding member, which is an expression of its commitment to addressing water challenges. Pakistan seeks resolution of issues through dialogue despite Indian aggressive actions. She underscored, Pakistan seeks Saudi cooperation for early completion of GCC Free Trade Agreement, and added, I am grateful to Saudi government for hosting 2.5 million Pakistanis living in Saudi Arabia. Separately, CM Maryam Nawaz expressed happiness and congratulated the nation on the successful launch of Pakistan s advanced remote sensing satellite. She paid tribute to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, scientists, engineers and experts associated with the satellite programme. The CM said, Remote sensing satellite will prove to be a gamechanger in timely warning of disasters and other important areas. She also expressed a deep sense of grief over the loss of precious human lives due to torrential rains in Gujrat and Hassan Abdal. She offered condolences and extended her heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved families. She appealed to parents not to allow children to bathe in floodwater.