President, Saudi FM for expanding Pakistan, Saudia bilateral ties
President Mamnoon Hussain Tuesday urged further expansion of bilateral ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia in various fields, with particular focus on trade and investment, infrastructure, dams and energy sectors.
Talking to Foreign Minister of Saudi Arabia Prince Saud Al Faisal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud at the President House, the president referred to Pakistan’s business friendly environment and invited Saudi investors and businessmen to invest in Pakistan.
He said the government of Pakistan was keen to further deepen the strategic partnership and bilateral cooperation in diverse fields to the mutual benefit of the people of the two countries. He also mentioned scope for increased cooperation in agriculture and livestock sectors.
The meeting also covered Pakistan Saudi Arabia bilateral relations and matters of mutual interest, a statement from the President House said.
Discussing the Pakistan Saudi bilateral ties, the president said the two countries enjoy fraternal relations that were deep-rooted in common faith, traditions and commonality of views on all issues of mutual interest.
The president appreciated and thanked King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz and the Saudi government for the generous assistance extended to the government and people of Pakistan in every hour of need and testing times.
The people of Pakistan highly revere Khadim Al Harmain Al Sharifain King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz and hold him in high esteem, the president said.
The president while noting the presence of large 1.5 million Pakistani diaspora in Saudi Arabia said they serve as a living bridge of friendship between the two countries and form yet another strong bond between the two peoples.
He expressed confidence that Pakistani expatriates were positively contributing in the development of the two countries and hoped that this bridge would continue to expand and strengthen to the mutual benefit of our two brotherly countries.
The president also lauded the gesture of Saudi government for extending the grace period to the expatriate workers, including Pakistanis for correcting their resident and labour status in accordance with the new labour laws of the Kingdom. He expressed the hope that the Kingdom will continue to facilitate Pakistani expatriate community.
The president conveyed on his own behalf and behalf of the people of Pakistan, prayers and good wishes for the good health and long life of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques His Majesty King Abdullah as well as for progress and prosperity of the people of the Kingdom.
The Saudi foreign minister was accompanied by Ministry of Bilateral Relations Secretary Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Jindan, Ministry of Economics and Cultural Relations Secretary Yousuf bin Tarrad Al Saadoon and Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Pakistan Abdul Aziz Ibrahim S Al Ghadeer.
Minister for Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage Senator Pervaiz Rashid and Advisor to Prime Minister on National Security and Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz were also present during the meeting.