Prince Abdulaziz holds talks with President, PM, COAS; Vow to further strengthen bilateral relations
Zubair Qureshi Islamabad
Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday while condemning the Houthi militia attacks targeting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, reaffirmed Pakistan’s full support for the Kingdom’s security, sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The prime minister was talking to Saudi Minister of Interior Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Nayef bin Abdulaziz Al Saud during his visit to Pakistan on Monday, the PM Office Media Wing said in a press release.
He praised the leadership role of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud in promoting Islamic unity, and acknowledged the endeavours of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for peace and security in the region, and beyond.
Imran Khan also lauded the vision of Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman for KSA’s progress and prosperity, and his invaluable contribution to the abiding fraternal relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
The prime minister particularly thanked the Kingdom for its steadfast support to Pakistan, especially in challenging times and for the recent financial budgetary support.
Thanking the Saudi leadership for hosting a large Pakistani community, he emphasized the need for further strengthening people-to-people linkages.
Noting the conclusion of the Agreement on Transfer of Offenders between the two countries, he expressed the hope that a large number of Pakistani prisoners in the KSA would be repatriated to Pakistan through that framework. Prince Abdulaziz conveyed cordial greetings of the crown prince to the prime minister, and reaffirmed the close fraternal relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
He also acknowledged the positive contribution of Pakistanis in the development of the Kingdom and reiterated the resolve to work closely with the Pakistan side on all matters relating to his ministry.
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are bound in a fraternal relationship marked by mutual trust and understanding, close cooperation, and an abiding tradition of supporting each other.
Meanwhile, President Dr Arif Alvi, talking to visiting Saudi Minister for Interior, Prince Abdulaziz at Aiwan-e-Sadr, reiterated the importance of further strengthening and diversifying bilateral cooperation in various areas of mutual interest between the two countries.
Welcoming the Saudi Interior Minister, the President said that both brotherly countries enjoyed excellent relations which needed to be further cemented for the mutual benefit of the two countries. Regarding the release of Pakistani prisoners in KSA, he hoped that the Government of KSA would give positive consideration to release prisoners who have completed their sentences.
The President also expressed gratitude to the Saudi leadership for launching the “Road to Makkah” pilot project and stated that the Government of Pakistan was looking forward to its expansion to other cities of the country.
He highlighted that both countries had shared concerns in Afghanistan and urged the international community to help the Afghan people in the hour of need to save them from human catastrophe.
The President asked the visiting dignitary to convey his sincere wishes to King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.
Saudi Minister for Interior informed that steps were being taken to help address the issue of Pakistani prisoners by the technical teams of the two countries. He thanked the Government of Pakistan for extending a warm welcome and hospitality to his delegation during their stay in Pakistan.
Saudi Arabia (KSA)also called on General Qama rJaved Bajwa, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), today.
During the meeting, matters of mutual interest, regional security, current situation in Afghanistan and bilateral defence relations between the two countries were discussed. COAS said that Pakistan values its historical and brotherly relations with the Kingdom and acknowledges its unique place in the Islamic world. The visiting dignitary appreciated Pakistan’s role in Afghan situation, special efforts for border management, role in regional stability and pledged to play his part for further improvement in diplomatic cooperation with Pakistan at all levels.
