Pak, S. Arabia agree on strengthening ties

JEDDAH: Pakistan and Saudi Arabia on Tuesday agreed to enhance cooperation and boost their ties in a comprehensive manner.

Bilateral relations, cooperation and regional situation were reviewed during an audience by Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani with the Custodian of two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz here at the Royal Palace.

The leaders also agreed to work closely to promote the cause of global peace, promote harmony and tolerance among different religions and espouse the universal values of humanity and brotherhood.

Prime Minister Gilani highly appreciated the contribution of King Abdullah to promote interfaith harmony.

A broad consensus was reached on enhancing Pakistan-Saudi Arabia partnership based on comprehensive cooperation. Modalities and mechanism for this purpose were also discussed.

Both sides expressed the wish to enhance mutually beneficial cooperation and work closely to safeguard the stability and peace in the region and Islamic world.

King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz said Pakistan was a key member of the Ummah and a close friend of the Kingdom. “Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are one country; they are more than friends and more than brothers,”.

King Abdullah assured the prime minister of the Kingdom’s steadfast support to Pakistan. He also lauded Pakistan’s support to the Kingdom.


Prime Minister Gilani reciprocating the feelings regarding their close ties said “Pakistan’s security was Saudi Arabia’s security and Saudi Arabia’s security was Pakistan’s security.”

Prime Minister Gilani was accompanied by Commerce Minister Makhdoom Amin Fahim, Senior Minister for Industries Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi, Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Barrister Masood Kausar and Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir, Principal Secretary Khushnood Akhtar Lashari, Press Secretary Muhammad Akram Shaheedi and Pakistan’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Muhammad Naeem Khan. (APP)