Gilani, Abdullah discuss South Asia, Middle East

Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani on Tuesday had an audience with Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz at the Royal Palace, where the whole range of bilateral issues and matters of mutual interest including the situation in the region and the Middle East discussed.
During the meeting, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia agreed to enhance cooperation and boost their ties in a comprehensive manner. King Abdullah said Pakistan is a key member of the Muslim world and a close friend of the kingdom. “Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are more than friends and more than brothers,” he said, and assured the prime minister of the kingdom’s support to Pakistan.
Prime Minister Gilani informed King Abdullah about Pakistan’s relations with the regional countries, and also pointed out Pakistan’s efforts to promote peace, reconciliation in Afghanistan and its efforts to improve relations with India. The king appreciated the progress and said it was important that there were good relations between the neighbouring countries.
King Abdullah also informed him about his conversation with Afghan President Hamid Karzai and Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who also welcomed that the things were moving in the right direction and reciprocated Pakistan’s desire to live in peace and harmony for regional stability.
The prime minister was accompanied by Commerce Minister Amin Fahim, Senior Minister for Industries Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Barrister Masood Kausar and Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir.
The two leaders also agreed to work closely to promote the cause of global peace, promote harmony and tolerance among different religions and espouse the universal values of humanity and brotherhood. Prime Minister Gilani highly appreciated the contribution of King Abdullah to promote interfaith harmony.
A broad consensus was reached on enhancing Pakistan-Saudi Arabia partnership based on comprehensive cooperation. Modalities and mechanism for this purpose were also discussed. Both sides expressed the wish to enhance mutually beneficial cooperation and work closely to safeguard the stability and peace in the region and Islamic world.
King Abdullah said he has worked hard for peace for the believers of the Holy Books across the world and for better relations between the Muslims and non-Muslims. He said there were differences but believed that animosity leads to economic and moral destruction. However, he believed that humans were brothers and benefits of living together with harmony were above everything.
Prime Minister Gilani extended an invitation to the king to visit Pakistan. Abdullah said that he would visit Pakistan at a time and date convenient to both the countries. Pakistan’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Muhammad Naeem Khan and other officials were also present during the meeting.