Pakistan, Saudi Arabia to strengthen partnership

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have decided to further strengthen their partnership. The understanding developed during a telephonic conversation between Prime Minister Imran Khan and Saudi Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman (MBS) late Wednesday evening.

The two leaders enjoy remarkable mutual friendship and they had a discussion regarding subjects of two-ways interest. The prime minister offered his sincere condolences to MBS on the death of Crown Prince’s uncle Prince Bandar Bin Abdul Aziz al Saud.

Recalling recent visit of the Crown Prince to Pakistan, the prime minister conveyed thanks for Saudi Arabia’s strong political and economic support for Pakistan. The two leaders reaffirmed the closeness of Pak-Saudi fraternal ties and reiterated their shared resolve to forge a stronger partnership covering all aspects of bilateral relations. The two leaders also agreed to maintain close consultations on all issues of mutual interest.

The crown prince invited Prime Minister Imran Khan to visit Saudi Arabia on the way to or back from the visit to New York for UNGA Session.

The prime minister will proceed to UN Headquarters in New York next month. The prime minister reminded the crown prince that it was Pakistan’s top priority to further develop relations with Saudi Arabia.

He described Saudi Arabia as a friend that Pakistan trusted and thanked the crown prince for his efforts and support. “Pakistan cannot forget Saudi Arabia’s constant standing in all adversities and difficult times,” he said.

In response, the Saudi crown prince praised the distinguished relations between the two countries and lauded the efforts of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia to strengthen their ties in different fields.

The crown prince also said that the Saudi leadership was keen to support Pakistan in all fields. Imran visited Saudi Arabia last year in September in his first foreign trip after assuming the office.

He visited the Kingdom for the second time in October to attend a key investment conference in Riyadh. Saudi Arabia announced to provide$6 billion assistance to Pakistan on an annual basis in the shape of cash assistance and oil on deferred payments. The announcement was made in the wake of the visit of the prime minister. The Kingdom also agreed to reduce visa fees for Pakistanis in different categories.