-Saudi Interior Minister meets President, PM during day-long visit to
Islamabad
-PM thanks the Kingdom for steadfast support to Pakistan
-Both countries have shared concerns in Afghanistan, says Alvi
-Visiting dignitary also discusses regional security situation with Pakistani counterpart
-Acknowledges contribution of Pakistanis in Kingdom’s development
By Asghar Ali Mubarak
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan Monday while condemning the Houthi militia attacks targeting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) reaffirmed Pakistan’s full support for the Kingdom’s security, sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The prime minister received Minister of Interior of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Nayef bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.
The prime minister 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.
He 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.
Prime minister Khan particularly thanked the Kingdom for its steadfast support to Pakistan, especially in challenging times and for the recent financial budgetary support extended to Pakistan.
Thanking the Saudi leadership for hosting a large Pakistani community, the prime minister 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 KSA would be repatriated to Pakistan through this 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.
Later, the Saudi delegation met President Dr Arif Alvi during which he highlighted that both countries had “shared concerns” in Afghanistan. He also urged the international community to help the Afghans in their hour of need.
According to report carried out by Radio Pakistan, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia also reiterated the importance of further strengthening and diversifying bilateral cooperation in various areas of mutual interest.
President Alvi said that the two countries had an excellent relationship which needed to be “further cemented for the mutual benefit of the two countries”, the report said.
He expressed the hope that the Saudi government would give “positive consideration” to release Pakistani prisoners in the kingdom who had 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,” the report said.
He also thanked the kingdom for its valuable support in the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) as well as its participation in the 17th session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers held in December, besides providing financial support to Pakistan.
Alvi also asked the visiting dignitary to convey his sincere wishes to King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and the Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the report added.
The Saudi minister told the president that steps were being taken to address the issue of Pakistani prisoners by the technical teams of the two countries. He thanked the government for extending a warm welcome and hospitality to his delegation during their stay.
“The president appreciated the role and support of the kingdom for hosting over two million Pakistanis and its benevolent approach towards them during the pandemic,” the report added.
Earlier, Saudi Interior Minister met Pakistani counterpart, Sheikh Rashid, after arriving in Islamabad for a day-long visit.
According to details, the two ministers discussed issues of mutual interest, including the regional security situation.
“The two ministers emphasised on strengthening ties between the Ministries of Interior of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. They said better liaison between ministries is needed to address various issues, including security challenges,” the report said.
Rashid said that Pakistan valued its relations with Saudi Arabia as they were based on mutual trust and Islamic brotherhood.
He said that the two million Pakistanis working in the kingdom were a precious asset and thanked the Saudi government for taking excellent care of them.
The Saudi minister arrived in Islamabad earlier in the day. Naif, who was accompanied by a delegation, was received by his Pakistani counterpart, Sheikh Rashid, at the Nur Khan Airbase in Rawalpindi, Rashid said in a tweet.
