Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing cooperation in key areas such as the economy, agriculture, mining and information technology. Both sides underlined the need to work together to build a prosperous and peaceful future for the region as well as for the Islamic World. This was discussed during a meeting between  President Asif Ali Zardari and the visiting delegation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), led by Saudi Minister for Investment, Mr. Khalid bin Abdulaziz Al-Falih, at Aiwan-e-Sadr. Welcoming the delegation, the President emphasized the longstanding and time-tested relationship between Pakistan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). He expressed Pakistan's desire to elevate these ties into a long-term strategic and economic partnership, underscoring that such collaboration would bring the two brotherly nations further closer.

The President reaffirmed Pakistan’s deep respect for the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, His Majesty King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and reiterated Pakistan's unwavering commitment to stand in solidarity with Saudi Arabia. The President also praised the visionary leadership of Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, His Royal Highness Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud. He highly commended the remarkable progress Saudi Arabia was making under Vision 2030 and expressed gratitude for the Kingdom's continued support to Pakistan during challenging times. The President said that he was happy to witness the progress and prosperity of Saudi Arabia. Mr. Khalid bin Abdulaziz Al-Falih said that Saudi Arabia recognised the strategic geographical significance of Pakistan and its potential of natural resources and renewable energy.

He informed that Saudi Arabia had planned to invest in the infrastructure and mining sectors of Pakistan and, in this regard, his delegation would sign 25 agreements in different secors that would boost economic cooperations between the two brotherly nations. He expressed the hope that the signing of the agreements would mark a new era of economic cooperation between the two countries. Both sides emphasized to increase collaboration in the areas of Agricuture and Information Technology. The meeting was attended by Minister for Petroleum, Senator Musadik Masood Malik, Minister for Commerce, Mr. Jam Kamal Khan, Minister for Privatization, Mr. Abdul Aleem Khan, Minister for Interior, Senator Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi, Minister for Religious Affairs & Interfaith Harmony, Chaudhry Salik Hussain and Senator Saleem Mandviwalla. The Saudi Ambassador, Mr. Nawaf Saeed Al Malki was also present in the meeting.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan