Prince Saud al Faisal says he has come to Pakistan with ‘message of friendship and cooperation’
Nawaz asks Saudi Arabia to invest in Pakistan’s energy sector
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud al Faisal on Tuesday said he was not visiting Pakistan to work out any deal with the government regarding former president Gen (r) Pervez Musharraf.
Addressing a joint press conference with PM’s Adviser on National Security Sartaj Aziz, Prince Faisal said: “I have come to Pakistan with a message of friendship and cooperation…I’m not on any mission. Saudi Arabia will not interfere in Pakistan’s internal affairs.”
This is the first visit by any top Saudi official to Pakistan since Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif came into power in June last year, following his party’s thumping win in the parliamentary polls.
The Saudi foreign minister’s trip had led to speculation in the media about the possible role of the Saudis in seeking a ‘safe passage’ for the former military ruler. The government, however, had strongly dismissed such reports claiming that Prince Faisal’s visit was planned much ahead of the developments related to Musharraf.
Addressing the press conference, Prince Faisal said Pakistan and Saudi Arabia enjoyed historic and deep rooted relations, and were very strong friends.
Sartaj Aziz said both the sides had reiterated to further expand their relations for the benefit of their peoples. He said Pakistan and Saudi Arabia agreed to enhance cooperation in a broad spectrum of areas, especially investment, trade and energy.
Aziz said Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in his interaction with the visiting Saudi dignitary briefed him about his government’s plans to enhance growth, create job opportunities and reduce poverty for brighter future of Pakistan.
“We will encourage the Saudi investors to invest in different sectors, especially energy,” said Aziz.
The Saudi foreign minister said his country would continue to provide all possible assistance to Pakistan for economic stability. He said the designs of those plotting to spoil Pakistan-Saudi relations should be thwarted.
Prince Faisal said he had brought a special message from King Abdullah for the Pakistani leadership, which he had conveyed to President Mamoon Hussain. He did not elaborate the contents of the message.
He said there was a need to form a committee for further enhancing bilateral ties and resolve any issue. He said the Organisation of Islamic Countries (OIC) should also be used for more interaction between the Muslim countries.
Replying to a question on US-Iran relations, Sartaj Aziz said any improvement in the region would help improve regional trade and economic ties.
AFGHANISTAN
Talking about the withdrawal of NATO troops from Afghanistan, Prince Faisal stated that Afghanistan is going through a tough time and it should be ensured that this withdrawal takes place.
He also added that terrorists should be stopped from organising themselves again in Afghanistan.
With the start of 2014, the countdown to the withdrawal of foreign forces from Afghanistan has started. The Bilateral Security Agreement, which is a security pact with the United States, if signed, will allow the US to extend their presence in Afghanistan for an additional 10 years and maintain a troop presence of up to 16,000 personnel after the NATO withdrawal.
NAWAZ’S MEETING WITH FAISAL:
Earlier in the day the Saudi prince called on Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif at Prime Minister’s House.
During the meeting, Prime Minister Sharif stated that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have always stood by each other in difficult times and the people of Pakistan deeply value relations with the Kingdom.
“There is a need to start a new era of strategic relationship between our two fraternal countries in order to further broaden and deepen the existing cordial bilateral relations,” the premier added.
While discussing the energy situation of Pakistan, Nawaz said that Pakistan will welcome investment by the Kingdom, especially in the energy sector.
The prime minister also thanked the Saudi government for extending help to Pakistani workers who were affected by the recent labour laws enacted in the Kingdom.