Pakistan values its close and cordial ties with Saudi Arabia and desires to strengthen the bilateral cooperation in trade, commerce, investment, manpower, energy and agriculture to the mutual benefit of the two countries, President Asif Ali Zardari said on Monday.
President’ spokesman Farhatullah Babar said the president also visited the Saudi Embassy on the eve of National Day of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
“The edifice of the special relationship between the two countries based on our common faith and cultural affinities has further been cemented by the shared aspirations of our people,” Zardari said. The president extended his greetings and best wishes to Khadim Al-Harmain Al-Sharifain, King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud, Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdul-Aziz Al Saud and the people of Saudi Arabia.
“We in Pakistan regard with great admiration the huge strides that Saudi Arabia has made in all walks of life since the times of King Abdul Aziz. The country’s unprecedented progress is a tribute to the vision and determination of a sagacious leadership,” he remarked.
The president recalled his recent visit to Saudi Arabia and said he had been deeply impressed by the sagacity and vision of Khadim Al-Harmain Al-Sharifain, King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud and his commitment to work for global peace and prosperity. Zardari said he was particularly grateful for his consistent and strong support for Pakistan and the well being of its people.
Noting the presence of sizable 1.5 million Pakistanis in Saudi Arabia, the president said the commitment, hard work and contributions of Pakistani community towards the economy of the brotherly country were a matter of great satisfaction. “They serve as a bridge of friendship between the two countries and form yet another strong bond between the two peoples,” he added.
Zardari said, “Every difficult moment in our history has witnessed us standing together in mutual support and solidarity,” adding that Saudi generosity had been exemplary during floods and natural disasters wining the lasting gratitude of the people of Pakistan.
