Sanjrani, Asad Qaiser meet MBS

ISLAMABAD: Chairman Senate Muhammad Sadiq Sanjrani and Speaker National Assembly Asad Qaiser on Monday called on the Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman.

Leader of the House in the Senate Syed Shibli Faraz, Leader of Opposition Senator Raja Muhammad Zafarul Haq, Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz Parliamentary leader Mushahid Ullah Khan, Deputy Speaker NA Qasim Suri, State Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Ali Muhammad Khan and PTI MNA Malik Amir Dogar were also present on the occasion, besides Senator Aurangzeb Khan from the 'tribal areas'.

There was no representation of other political parties during the meeting, having representation in the Parliament, including Pakistan People’s Party, PML, JUI-Fazl and MQM-Pakistan.

The invitation for the meeting was extended by Saudi Arabia Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki.

A statement issued by the Senate Secretariat mentioned no names of PPP or any other party’s legislator with regards to the event.

Information Minister Chaudhry Fawad Hussain had recently ruled out the possibility of inviting the opposition leadership for a dinner, which was to be hosted in honour of the Crown Prince, saying opposition leaders were either in jail or on bail or facing investigation with regards to corruption cases.

Speaking on the occasion, Sanjrani said that Saudi investment in Pakistan was a trust of international community in the country, which would further pave the way for opening up new avenues of cooperation and economic partnership for regional development.

He led the delegation of the Upper House of Parliament during the meeting. Sanjrani noted that the 2030 vision of Saudi Arabia was a vision of peace, economic growth and prosperity.

"The people of Saudi Arabia are fortunate to have the able leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and your energetic Crown Prince like Mohammad Bin Salman," Sanjrani remarked.

He said the visit of Crown Prince would be a new chapter in the history of Pakistan and Saudi relations, adding the situation in Pakistan had changed and the country was offering a conducive environment for trade and investment.

“Saudi investment is a trust in Pakistan's capabilities and potential for steering the agenda for regional development. Pakistan desires to further expand ties in different areas of mutual interest. Saudi Arab has always supported Pakistan in testing times and both have enjoyed long standing fraternal ties rooted firmly in common religion, which have stood through the test of time,” he said.

Sanjrani contended that there was a significant convergence of views on many religious, political and security issues and exemplary collaboration at multilateral forums between the two countries.

Chairman Senate observed that bringing key businessmen, investors, companies and innovators under one roof – the Future Investment Initiative Conference –was one example; and am sure such initiatives will help realise the goals set out in Saudi Vision 2030.

He called for strengthening bilateral trade through close contacts between our businessmen and investors, activation of Joint Business Council and regular participation in each other’s exhibitions and fairs. He said that Pakistani workers in Saudi Arabia have played a positive role in the development of both the countries and serve as “a bridge between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia”.

Sanjrani noted that Pakistani community contributing for development of Saudi Arabia would also play a proactive role in realising Saudi Vision 2030.