ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Tuesday emphasized the need for starting a new era of strategic relationship between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia to broaden and deepen the existing cordial relations.
The prime minister made these remarks in a meeting with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud Al-Faisal‚ who arrived in Pakistan on a two-day official visit on Monday evening, and called on the prime minister in Islamabad today.
During the meeting, which was also attended by the advisor to the prime minister on foreign affairs and national security Sartaj Aziz‚ Tariq Fatimi‚ interior minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan and finance minister Ishaq Dar, the prime minister said that the two countries have always stood by each other in testing times and the people of Pakistan deeply value relations with Saudi Arabia.
The prime minister said that both Pakistan and Saudi Arabia need to enhance bilateral trade to reflect the strong fraternal bonds that exist between the two countries by regular meetings between the Commerce Ministers to explore ways of enhancing bilateral trade.
Discussing the energy situation in the country‚ the prime minister said that Pakistan would welcome investment by Saudi Arabia in Energy Sector especially‚ and other sectors like Infrastructure‚ Agriculture and Livestock.
Sharif said that the government wants to enhance economic and business ties with the Kingdom and Pakistan is ready to give special incentives to businessmen.
Talking about the Afghan situation‚ the premier re-affirmed that Pakistan remains committed to facilitating Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace and reconciliation process adding that a peaceful and stable Afghanistan is in Pakistan’s interest.
The prime minister said that Pakistan supports all efforts aimed at strengthening unity among the Islamic countries.
Meanwhile, he thanked the Saudi government for extending help to Pakistani workers who were affected by the recent labour laws enacted in the Kingdom. He said the large Pakistani community in Saudi Arabia is a human bridge between the two brotherly countries who would continue to play a vital role in the development of Saudi Arabia.
Earlier, the Saudi foreign minister held a meeting with President Mamnoon Hussain in Islamabad and discussed issues related to bilateral relations and regional situation.
The two sides also discussed prospects for promoting cooperation between the two countries.
