The unprecedented reception and respect given to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, during his first official visit to Saudi Arabia after enthronement of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, manifested the strong bilateral ties between the two brotherly Muslim countries.
According to a roundup aired on Sunday by Pakistan Television on prime minister’s three-day visit, Sharif visited the Kingdom on a special invitation from the Saudi King.
The prime minister and his delegation comprising Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, and special assistants to PM Irfan Siddiqui and Tariq Fatemi, were received by members of the Royal family, including Crown Prince Muqrin bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Governor of Riyadh Region Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz and cabinet members.
The prime minister was given a guard of honour and the reception given to him by the Saudi King beyond official protocols spoke the level of friendly ties between the two countries.
During their meeting at Riyadh’s RoyalPalace, the prime minister and Saudi King vowed to take the bilateral ties to new heights, besides discussing the regional and international issues.
The two sides also resolved to enhance bilateral cooperation, particularly against terrorism and termed the menace a common enemy.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif also extended an invitation to the Saudi King to visit Pakistan that was accepted by the latter.
King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud also hosted a luncheon reception for the prime minister that was also attended by members of the royal family, cabinet members and local leaders.
Crown Prince Muqrin bin Abdulaziz Al Saud saw him off at the airport as the prime minister left for Jeddah.
After performing Umrah, Sharif visited Madinah Munawwarah where he paid respects at the Roza-e-Rasool (Peace Be Upon Him) and offered Nawafil. He offered Friday prayer in Masjid-e-Nabvi and prayed for the stability, progress and prosperity of Pakistan.
A large number Pakistani people present there were pleased to see the premier among them. They raised slogans ‘Long Live Pakistan’ and ‘Long Live Nawaz Sharif.’ He also addressed the Pakistani community in Madinah and deliberated over the issues confronting the country and the efforts his government had been making for their resolution.
Premier Nawaz Sharif thanked the Saudi leadership for extending an invitation for Kingdom’s visit and honouring him with great respect and wished the bilateral ties strengthen further in future.
