Zardari, Shehbaz reaffirm commitment to collaborate with KSA to promote peace, uplift in region

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari on Monday reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthening bilateral cooperation with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) in the areas of economy, trade, defence, culture, education and people-to-people contacts.

Addressing the reception hosted by the Saudi Embassy to celebrate the 94th Anniversary of the National Day of the KSA, which was attended by provincial governors, Punjab chief minister, federal ministers, diplomats, dignitaries, and civil and military officers, the president extended heartfelt felicitations to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdul-Aziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdul-Aziz Al Saud and the people of Saudi Arabia on their National Day.

He also highlighted that both brotherly countries enjoyed excellent relations in various fields and had always supported each other during challenging times.

The president expressed deep appreciation for the vision of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and the significant progress achieved by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The president on the occasion also gave Ghilaf-e-Ka’aba to Olympic gold medalist Arshad Nadeem.

In a video message on the occasion of the National Day of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to a strong and enduring friendship with Saudi Arabia, pledging to work together to promote peace, stability and development in the region.

The message was aired at the National Day Reception of KSA, hosted by Saudi Embassy to celebrate the 94th Anniversary of the National Day of the KSA.

This friendship is built on mutual respect, cooperation, and shared values that have withstood the test of time, the prime minister said

He said the bilateral relation was unique and went beyond common interstate interactions, as the countries had consistently supporting each other in times of need standing in solidarity during natural disasters and crisis, reflecting the depth of the fraternal bond that exist between the two countries.

“The people of Pakistan join me in acknowledging from the core of our hearts, the Kingdom’s generosity in helping stabilize Pakistan’s economic situation from time to time.”

He said “on behalf of the government and the people of Pakistan, I warmly congratulate the custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdul Aziz and Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman, as well as the brotherly people of KSA on the joyous occasion of their 94th national day.

The prime minister paid tribute to the visionary leadership of King Salman bin Abdul Aziz who steadfastly guided the KSA towards progress and prosperity while upholding the sacred responsibility of the custodian of the Two Holy Mosques.

“We also highly commend the sagacious and farsighted vision of Mohammad bin Salman whose initiatives have positioned Saudi Arabia as a beacon of modernity, innovation and economic growth.”

He said the KSA with its vision 203 and the theme “We Dream We Achieve” under the dynamic leadership of King Salman bin Abdul Aziz and Prince Mohammad bin Salman was assuming a global leadership role.

President Asif Ali Zardari, Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan, Nawaf bin Saeed Ahmed Al-Malkiy and Chief Minister Punjab and Governor Sindh cut the cake on the National Day of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), here on Monday.