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| | GEO Pakistan | | Pakistan, Saudi Arabia to forge closer economic, trade ties | Updated at: 0512 PST, Wednesday, November 05, 2008
 RIYADH: President Asif Ali Zardari and King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz Tuesday vowed to upgrade the trade and economic ties, stating that stability, security and prosperity of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia were interlinked.
The two leaders met here at the Royal Palace exclusively to review the ties between the two brotherly countries and held in-depth discussions covering a wide-range of bilateral regional and international issues of mutual interest.
President Zardari and King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz were of the view that the two countries have stood by each other in difficult times and would continue to do so.
They were later joined by their aides in the talks that continued over the dinner hosted by King Abdullah in honour of the President and his delegation. The talks covered all areas of cooperation.
The two leaders expressed satisfaction over the existing state of cooperation between the two countries in all facets and renewed their commitment to reinforce bilateral cooperation, particularly in trade and investment.
Advisor to the PM on Interior Rehman Malik after the meeting described the talks as very positive and successful.
King Abdullah and President Zardari later had an unscheduled exclusive meeting.
King Abdullah and President Zardari agreed to expand and facilitate investment and joint ventures especially in energy, agriculture, food and infrastructure projects with the participation of their private sectors.
The regional and global threat of extremism and terrorism figured prominently in the talks between the two leaders who termed it a threat to all humanity.
They stressed the need to intensify and coordinate bilateral, regional and international cooperation to combat terrorism and to eradicate its root causes.
Minister for Foreign Affairs Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Minister for Labour and Manpower Khurshid Shah, Adviser on Interior Rehman Malik, Advisor on Finance Shaukat Tarin, Special Adviser Dr Asim, Pakistan s ambassador to Saudi Arabia Admiral retd Shahid Karimullah accompanied the President during the talks.
The Saudi side was represented by Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdul Aziz, Prince Mashaal bin Abdul Aziz, Prince Abdul Rehman bin Abdul Aziz, Deputy Defence Minister, Prince Naif bin Abdul Aziz, Prince Salman bin Abdul Aziz, Governor Riyadh, Abdul Ilah bin Abdul Aziz, Deputy Governor Riyadh and Prince Muqrin bin Abdul Aziz. |  |
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