By Asghar Ali Mubarak
ISLAMABAD: Chairman Senate Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani on Tuesday emphasized the need to strengthen trade ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia in key sectors such as textiles, agriculture, and technology to achieve shared prosperity.Pakistan’s cuisine
During his official visit to Saudi Arabia, Gilani, accompanied by his delegation, held separate meetings with the Speaker of the Saudi Shura Council and the Saudi Arabia-Pakistan Friendship Group, according to a news release. “I deeply appreciate the warm reception and hospitality extended by the Speaker of the Shura Council,” he said during the meetings.
Discussions centered on bilateral cooperation, trade relations, and critical issues such as Palestine and Kashmir. “This visit reflects the strong brotherly ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia,” he added. Gilani called for enhanced institutional collaboration, increased delegation exchanges, and stronger people-to-people connections between the two nations.
He urged joint efforts by Saudi Arabia and Pakistan to resolve the issues of Palestine and Kashmir while advocating for the rights of Muslims worldwide.
“The global community must raise its voice against the ongoing atrocities in Palestine and Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK),” he stressed.
He called for practical solutions in line with United Nations resolutions and international laws. Highlighting severe human rights violations by Indian forces in IIOJK and Israeli forces in Palestine, Senate Chairman urged the global community to address these urgent issues.
He also expressed gratitude for Saudi Arabia’s unwavering support for Pakistan’s stance on these matters, underlining the importance of continued collaboration to advance mutual interests.
Earlier, rime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Tuesday that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are collaborating to enhance economic and investment cooperation for mutual benefit, according to a statement from the Prime Minister’s office.
During his meeting with Saudi Deputy Interior Minister Nasser bin Abdul Aziz Al Dawood in Islamabad, he expressed satisfaction with the implementation of MoUs regarding Saudi investment of $2.8 billion in Pakistan.
Recalling the historic fraternal relations between the two countries, PM Shehbaz thanked the Saudi leadership and government for always supporting Pakistan. Emphasizing the significance of cooperation in defence and security cooperation, the premier said the visit of the deputy interior minister and his delegation would help bring both sides closer in terms of cooperation in these sensitive areas.
The situation in Gaza and the broader Middle East was also discussed during the meeting, the statement added.
Recalling the recent Arab-Islamic Summit held in Riyadh, the premier appreciated the leadership of Saudi Arabia for holding the Summit and the stance of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman over the issue of Palestine. PM Shehbaz applauded the leadership role of Saudi Arabia and the efforts of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in unifying the Ummah to collectively seek an end to violence in Gaza due to Israel’s genocidal actions. Shehbaz Sharif also reiterated his invitation to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to undertake an official visit to Pakistan at his earliest convenience, it said.
